Baptisms
Baptisms are held on 1st, 2nd and 3rd Saturday of every month at 5 pm.
- 1st Saturday in Carrigeen,
- 2nd Saturday in Kilnaspic
- 3rd Saturday in Mooncoin.
Please contact the Parish Office, tel: 051 895123 or email
mooncoin@ossory.ie to arrange your child's Baptism.
Congratulations on the birth of your child! The Parish Community shares in your joy. Thank you for wanting to have your baby join the family of the Church through Baptism.
To allow for preparation for your child's baptism, parents are asked to give at least 3 weeks notice to the Parish Office.
The signs and symbolism of Baptism
Sign of the Cross
A sign on something shows its origins or ownership. The sign of the cross is the mark of Christians for Jesus Christ died on the cross, parents and god-parents trace it on the child's forehead to show that the baby belongs to Christ, who now offers his help and grace to face and overcome the sufferings of life.
Water
This is for cleansing and is a sign that ou sins are washed away. Baptism cleanses us of original sin with which we are all born and, in the baptism of adults, of every sin committed prior to baptism. Water is also necessary for life and so is a sign, too, that the life of the risen Christ is ours.
Oils
Oil of Baptism is olive oil rubbed on the breast of the baby. Oil of Chrism is a mixture of olive oil and balsam and is rubbed on the crown of the head. It is a sign of sealing with the gifts of the Holy Spirit. The profession of faith which you make on behalf of your child at baptism will later be confirmed personally by our child in the sacrament of confirmation when Oil of Chrism will be used again. The oils are blessed by the bishop around the time of Maundy (or Holy) Thursday.
White Garment
This garment is a relic of the new clothes worn by Christians after baptism in the first centuries. it is a sign of innocence and the new life or resurrection.
Candles
These symbolize Christ - the Light of the World. The baptismal candle is lit from the paschal candle, which stands near the altar at Easter as a sign of the risen Christ. The baptismal candle reminds us that the light of Christ has entered the child's life; and its flame of faith which will burn through the life of your child.
Baptismal Register
Your baby's baptism will be recorded in the parish Baptismal Register. In the years ahead proof of baptism may be obtained in the form of a certificate issued on the basis of this registration. Your child's confirmation, marriage or ordination will also be noted alongside this entry in the register.