Annual Parish Baptism Celebration
 
On Sunday we celebrated the lives of all our children who have been baptised in our parish over the past twelve months.
 
Below is an extract from Deacon Brendan’s introduction and the Parents’ Prayer that you are invited to say everyday.
 
Introduction
We are here today on the feast of the Baptism of Jesus to celebrate our children’s baptisms which took place over the last year. And what a year. For many of you, you had to wait for months to have your child baptised although because of the restrictions, we did experience the very intimate setting of only one child being baptised at a time with a small number of family present.
 
We are also here to reflect on our own baptism and what it means for us. We remember that when Jesus came up out of the water, the heavens opened and he saw the Holy Spirit descending like a dove and a voice from heaven saying
 
“You are my Son, the beloved; my favour rests on you.”
 
God speaks those very same words to our children and to each of us, on the day of baptism and every day since then? He tells us:
 
‘You are my much loved, my precious, precious child and I delight in you.’
 
As we reflect on Gods boundless love for each one of us, on a God who took on human form and came into our world as a little, defenceless baby, we ask you parents to bless your babies and your other children by making the sign of the cross on their palms saying: “You are my beloved child”
 
Join us now in saying the Parents’ Prayer
 
Parents’ Prayer
Gentle Jesus the Gospels tell us how you gathered the children to yourself laying your hands on them and blessing them
Lay your hands upon us each day and renew within us the gift of your Holy Spirit poured out in our hearts on the day of Baptism.
Give us the wisdom and strength to guide and nurture the children in our care each day of our lives.
Through our example and witness may they experience the great love and care of God the Father,
giver of all life
 
We ask this in your name. Amen