Yesterday the extended families of Louise and Chris were all at St Stephen's Church in Dalmuir to celebrate the baptism of little Lucy.
Baptism is the first of the 7 Sacraments in the Catholic Church. Through baptism, a person becomes a member of the Church. Baptism is only the first step.
Usually, Baptism is administered to children of a very young age. The parents and God parents make promises to ensure that the child is brought up in the Catholic faith. These are serious promises and not to be taken lightly by anyone.
In all sacraments, there are outward signs that help us appreciate what is going on, and the efffects that we cannot see.
The outward signs of Baptism are water, chrism, a candle and an item of white put on the child.
The Paschal Candle burns on the altar during the ceremony.
Water is a sign of cleansing and life and helps us think about the wasging away of the stain of Original sin, and of the life of holiness that we paray will grow in the child.
The white article is a sign of purity. The oil of chrism reminds us that this child has been anointed to be child of God. The candle is a reminder that Jesus is the Light of The World.
The day of Baptism is a wonderful day, celebrated in the Church, and later with a family celebration.
It is reminder to all present, and helps us think about our own Baptism, and our subsequent life.
In a few years time, Lucy will receive the other sacraments, Holy Eucharist and Confirmation, which with Baptism make up the 3 Sacraments of initiation into full membership of the Church.
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