St. Macartin's Cathedral
Enniskillen, Northern Ireland
Baptism
The Church of Ireland - part of the Anglican Communion
Services & Meetings
(last updated 31st January 2012)
Rev. Canon Brian Courtney BD MA
Four Evangelists, One Gospel
I visited the opticians recently and as most of you will know, one of the tests you get there involves identifying which of two sets of circles is clearest. The optician adds a series of lenses and wants to know if you find the object sharper with them or without them. During the Sunday mornings in Lent we have been thinking about the distinctive features of each of the four Gospels. We are blessed to have four different yet similar views of the life and work of
Jesus providing us with different lenses with which to see more clearly why He came, what He did and what it means for us.
In all four accounts of His life we see that the ministry of Jesus has a purpose, He does not simply wander through Galilee teaching and healing, He has a destination in view, Jerusalem; He does not just randomly perform miracles or expel demons, He has a destiny to fulfil, giving his life as a ransom for many. Meeting with Him changes people’s lives – a widow’s sorrow is transformed, a greedy man becomes generous, a prostitute is given dignity, the lost are searched out, the hungry are given food, those who follow him find hope and a place in God’s kingdom.
Holy Week approaches when we would in heart and mind journey again to Jerusalem, make that journey so that as you see the providence and purpose of God in the life of Jesus you might see that providence and purpose worked out in the world of today and in your life today. Don’t waste this season, take the journey so that you might meet afresh with the Lord and know his grace amid your trials and sorrows, and know His forgiveness for your sins and His redeeming hope for your life.
Canon Reggie Twaddell is our guest preacher for Holy Week; the series of united services begin on Palm Sunday evening at seven o’clock in the Presbyterian Church, continuing at 8.00 pm in the Cathedral from Monday to Good
Friday and concluding with Easter evening praise at seven o’clock in the Methodist Church. Canon Twaddell worked as a teacher prior to being ordained and served in several parishes before retiring after a long and faithful
incumbency in the large parish of Portadown.
In a changing world where we no longer speak about things being as safe as the Bank of England it is good to have the built in reminder that Holy Week and Easter bring of the eternal and unchanging message of the Cross and Resurrection. Together let us take the opportunity this special season brings to look again to the One the Gospels focus on, Jesus Christ our Lord.
I visited the opticians recently and as most of you will know, one of the tests you get there involves identifying which of two sets of circles is clearest. The optician adds a series of lenses and wants to know if you find the object sharper with them or without them. During the Sunday mornings in Lent we have been thinking about the distinctive features of each of the four Gospels. We are blessed to have four different yet similar views of the life and work of
Jesus providing us with different lenses with which to see more clearly why He came, what He did and what it means for us.
In all four accounts of His life we see that the ministry of Jesus has a purpose, He does not simply wander through Galilee teaching and healing, He has a destination in view, Jerusalem; He does not just randomly perform miracles or expel demons, He has a destiny to fulfil, giving his life as a ransom for many. Meeting with Him changes people’s lives – a widow’s sorrow is transformed, a greedy man becomes generous, a prostitute is given dignity, the lost are searched out, the hungry are given food, those who follow him find hope and a place in God’s kingdom.
Holy Week approaches when we would in heart and mind journey again to Jerusalem, make that journey so that as you see the providence and purpose of God in the life of Jesus you might see that providence and purpose worked out in the world of today and in your life today. Don’t waste this season, take the journey so that you might meet afresh with the Lord and know his grace amid your trials and sorrows, and know His forgiveness for your sins and His redeeming hope for your life.
Canon Reggie Twaddell is our guest preacher for Holy Week; the series of united services begin on Palm Sunday evening at seven o’clock in the Presbyterian Church, continuing at 8.00 pm in the Cathedral from Monday to Good
Friday and concluding with Easter evening praise at seven o’clock in the Methodist Church. Canon Twaddell worked as a teacher prior to being ordained and served in several parishes before retiring after a long and faithful
incumbency in the large parish of Portadown.
In a changing world where we no longer speak about things being as safe as the Bank of England it is good to have the built in reminder that Holy Week and Easter bring of the eternal and unchanging message of the Cross and Resurrection. Together let us take the opportunity this special season brings to look again to the One the Gospels focus on, Jesus Christ our Lord.
1. What is baptism?
‘Baptism marks the beginning of a journey with God which continues for the rest of our lives, the first step in response to God's love.' (BCP page 357) Jesus was baptised in the river Jordan by John and this marked the beginning of his earthly ministry' (Mark 1:9-11). Near the end of Jesus' earthly ministry he commanded his disciples to ‘Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit'. (Matthew 28:18). For over two thousand years Jesus' followers have begun their Christian lives with the sacrament of baptism. The water of baptism is a visible sign of the grace which God conveys in the sacrament. God's gift in baptism is new birth in Christ, a new direction in life as God's child, and a calling to be a lifelong, faithful disciple of Christ.
‘Baptism marks the beginning of a journey with God which continues for the rest of our lives, the first step in response to God's love.' (BCP page 357) Jesus was baptised in the river Jordan by John and this marked the beginning of his earthly ministry' (Mark 1:9-11). Near the end of Jesus' earthly ministry he commanded his disciples to ‘Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit'. (Matthew 28:18). For over two thousand years Jesus' followers have begun their Christian lives with the sacrament of baptism. The water of baptism is a visible sign of the grace which God conveys in the sacrament. God's gift in baptism is new birth in Christ, a new direction in life as God's child, and a calling to be a lifelong, faithful disciple of Christ.
2. Is there a particular age for Baptism?
No. Baptism can take place at any age. In the Church of Ireland most people are baptised
as infants. Children are baptised before they can answer for themselves so that
they become fully included in the life of the Church. Adults who have not been baptised,
or who convert to Christianity, also receive the sacrament of baptism. If they do
not know whether or not they have been baptised, they should receive conditional baptism.
Baptism is a sacrament which, for any individual, cannot be repeated or undone,
because it represents God's once-for-all gift and calling to those baptised. If baptised
persons want to affirm their faith at a later stage, the proper procedure is to present
themselves for Confirmation or to renew their baptismal vows.
3. What are godparents/sponsors?
It is both a privilege and a responsibility to be asked to be a godparent (also known as
sponsor). The godparent promises to help care for the spiritual welfare of the child. It is
important therefore that the godparents can answer honestly the declarations of faith and
that they will be committed to supporting and praying for their godchild.
4. What happens in the Baptism service?
Baptism welcomes the candidates into the Christian family and the congregation promises
to support and pray for them and their parents and godparents (or sponsors). Therefore,
the baptism service ideally takes place within a time of public worship. In some
situations, or in the case of an emergency baptism, it will be appropriate to have the
baptism at another time. At the baptism of infants, parents and godparents are required
to make promises on behalf of the child and to undertake to ‘encourage them in the life
and faith of the Christian Community' and to ‘care for them, and help them to take their
place within the life and worship of Christ's Church' (BCP page 361). As they are answering on behalf of the child, they must also affirm their own Christian
faith. Those being presented for baptism will then have water poured on their heads. Water
declares God's presence in the life of the candidates and signifies that they become
God's adopted children and members of the Church. The sign of the cross is made on the
forehead as a visible sign of belonging to Christ: ‘Christ claims you for his own. Receive
the sign of the cross. Live as a disciple of Christ' (BCP page 362). As baptism is the beginning
of the Christian life, a lighted candle may be presented with the words ‘You have
received the light of Christ; walk in this light all the days of your life. Shine as a light in
the world to the glory of God the Father' (BCP page 367).
5. What happens after baptism?
After baptism it is the responsibility of the parents, godparents and the wider Church to
ensure that each newly baptised child or adult is welcomed and nurtured in the faith as a
member of the local and worldwide Christian family. In the fellowship of the Christian
community, it is the responsibility of the baptised to make God's gift in baptism their
own by sincere faith and resolute commitment to Christ. Otherwise God's gift in baptism
is not accepted. Baptism in the name of the Holy Trinity does not confer membership of
just one denomination, but rather of the whole Christian family.
6. Are you baptised? Is your child/children baptised?
The Rector will be pleased to chat to anyone regarding baptism of their child/children
regardless of age. Adult baptisms can also be arranged - please do not hesitate about contacting the Rector.
No. Baptism can take place at any age. In the Church of Ireland most people are baptised
as infants. Children are baptised before they can answer for themselves so that
they become fully included in the life of the Church. Adults who have not been baptised,
or who convert to Christianity, also receive the sacrament of baptism. If they do
not know whether or not they have been baptised, they should receive conditional baptism.
Baptism is a sacrament which, for any individual, cannot be repeated or undone,
because it represents God's once-for-all gift and calling to those baptised. If baptised
persons want to affirm their faith at a later stage, the proper procedure is to present
themselves for Confirmation or to renew their baptismal vows.
3. What are godparents/sponsors?
It is both a privilege and a responsibility to be asked to be a godparent (also known as
sponsor). The godparent promises to help care for the spiritual welfare of the child. It is
important therefore that the godparents can answer honestly the declarations of faith and
that they will be committed to supporting and praying for their godchild.
4. What happens in the Baptism service?
Baptism welcomes the candidates into the Christian family and the congregation promises
to support and pray for them and their parents and godparents (or sponsors). Therefore,
the baptism service ideally takes place within a time of public worship. In some
situations, or in the case of an emergency baptism, it will be appropriate to have the
baptism at another time. At the baptism of infants, parents and godparents are required
to make promises on behalf of the child and to undertake to ‘encourage them in the life
and faith of the Christian Community' and to ‘care for them, and help them to take their
place within the life and worship of Christ's Church' (BCP page 361). As they are answering on behalf of the child, they must also affirm their own Christian
faith. Those being presented for baptism will then have water poured on their heads. Water
declares God's presence in the life of the candidates and signifies that they become
God's adopted children and members of the Church. The sign of the cross is made on the
forehead as a visible sign of belonging to Christ: ‘Christ claims you for his own. Receive
the sign of the cross. Live as a disciple of Christ' (BCP page 362). As baptism is the beginning
of the Christian life, a lighted candle may be presented with the words ‘You have
received the light of Christ; walk in this light all the days of your life. Shine as a light in
the world to the glory of God the Father' (BCP page 367).
5. What happens after baptism?
After baptism it is the responsibility of the parents, godparents and the wider Church to
ensure that each newly baptised child or adult is welcomed and nurtured in the faith as a
member of the local and worldwide Christian family. In the fellowship of the Christian
community, it is the responsibility of the baptised to make God's gift in baptism their
own by sincere faith and resolute commitment to Christ. Otherwise God's gift in baptism
is not accepted. Baptism in the name of the Holy Trinity does not confer membership of
just one denomination, but rather of the whole Christian family.
6. Are you baptised? Is your child/children baptised?
The Rector will be pleased to chat to anyone regarding baptism of their child/children
regardless of age. Adult baptisms can also be arranged - please do not hesitate about contacting the Rector.
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