The Rite of Baptism for Children (1969) - baptism of infants/young children
WHO
Young children or infants are those who have not yet reached the age of discernment and therefore cannot have or profess personal faith.
WHAT
The Rite celebrates the sacrament as a journey beginning with welcome at the church door, to the lectern where the Word is proclaimed, to the font for baptism, which leads to the altar where Mass is celebrated. This is a time of evangelisation not to be lost; parents and godparents will prepare for this celebration. The liturgical time and place of baptism suggests the Easter Vigil or Sunday when the parish community will be present.
HOW
If you have any questions regarding the reception of the sacrament of Baptism please visit your Parish Priest and/or the Pastoral Assistant in your parish.
The Christchurch Diocese produced and uses a resource entitled "Welcome to the Family of the Church". To obtain a copy of the "Welcome to the Family of the Church" resource please conatct:
Wendy Clark, Parish Sacramental/PPRE Adviser, Catholic Education Office, PO Box 4544,Christchurch (Phone: 03 353 0757; Email: wclark@chch.catholic.org.nz).