Sacraments of Initiation
BAPTISM
Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit, the door which gives access to all the other Sacraments. In the Catholic Church new members are initiated through the celebration of Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation. When one has received these three Sacraments they are deemed to be full members of the Church.
Baptisms are celebrated in Clontibret Parish on Sundays. At least 1 weeks notice is required and should be given to one of the Priests. During the days of preparation for Baptism a Priest will visit the family to help prepare for the ceremony itself and to help parents to understand the power and significance of Baptism and their duties which follow from having their child baptised.
Baptism should be a community event, a celebration of the addition of new members to the Christian Family- the People of God. It is important that members of the wider family circle are included in the celebration, insofar as possible. Occasionally, Baptisms may be celebrated at the Sunday Masses or other Liturgies such as the Easter Vigil. This is to emphasise the importance of Baptism in the life of the Church.
What is Required:
- Booking with one of the Priests of the Parish at least one week in advance.
- Completion of the Baptism Information Card (available from the Priest)
- One Parent should be a Baptised Catholic.
- Selection of God-Parents. One of the God-Parents should be at least 16 years old and be a confirmed and practising Catholic.
God-Parents are Faith-Role models for the child. - A Baptism Candle (available for purchase from Veritas, 16-18 Park St., Monaghan) and a White Christening Shawl should be taken to the church on the day of the Baptism ceremony.
THE EUCHARIST
The single most significant ritual and gathering together of the Christian family is the celebration of the Eucharist. It is the source and summit of the life and mission of the Church. It is a call to conversion. It is a response in our day as it was in days past when we were commanded by Christ: Do This in Memory of Me! (Luke 22:19)
Take - Bless - Break - Give!
In the Eucharist bread is taken, blessed, broken and given.
In life we are taken, blessed, broken and given.
The Priest takes the bread in his hands and blesses it during the Eucharistic Prayer.
Then he breaks it and it is given to us as the Body of Christ.
Through our birth and baptism we are taken into God’s hands;
As the bread is taken, so too are we.
In life we are blessed by family, friends, love and joy;
As the bread is blessed, so too are we.
We are broken by failure, sin, pain and heartbreak;
As the bread is broken, so too are we.
In death we are given back to the mystery from which we came;
As the bread is given, so too are we.
When we take, bless, break and give bread to one another
We believe the Lord to be especially present in our midst.
But we must learn to accept that in his memory
We will be taken, blessed, broken and given
For the life of the world.(Source: Drumm, M & Gunning T, A Sacramental People, Vol. I, p. 141)
First Holy Communion Preparation Programme
Children may receive First Eucharist - the second stage of Christian Initiation - while in 2nd Class.
Each year the Parents, Teachers and Priests of the Parish work together to implement the First Holy Communion Programme “Do this in Memory of Me!” The highpoints of this programme are the monthly Eucharistic celebrations in which the children and parents participate. Details of the programme can be found in publications from www.veritas.ie or at 16-18 Park Street, Monaghan. Tel. 047 84077 or by visiting www.dothisinmemory.com.
Dates for First Eucharist in Clontibret Parish may be found on the Parish Calendar section.
CONFIRMATION
“The reception of the Sacrament of Confirmation is necessary for the completion of Baptismal grace. By the Sacrament of Confirmation, the baptised are more perfectly bound to the Church and are enriched with a special strength of the Holy Spirit. Hence they are, as true witnesses of Christ, more strictly obliged to spread and defend the faith by word and deed.” - Catechism of the Catholic Church, No. 1285.
Preparation for Confirmation is carried out in the schools of the parish and parents are invited to be involved both in the home and through the schools and the life of the Christian community in the parish.
For details of Confirmation in Clontibret Parish see the Parish Calendar section.
