A Celebration of Faith
On Saturday, 1 November 2025, the community of La Salle Catholic School gathered in reverent joy for the child baptism ceremony, marking the joyful beginnings of our young learners’ journey in faith. Families, teachers, staff and friends filled the school chapel with prayer and praise, as the children were welcomed into the Church and the school’s spiritual family. The event underscored the school’s commitment to nurturing faith, hope and community in equal measure with academic pursuit.
Scripture Reading by the Children
The celebration began with Scripture readings delivered by some of our own learners. The First Reading spoke of God’s promise to “be a God to you and your children” (adapted from Genesis 17:7). The Responsorial Psalm, sung joyfully by the choir, echoed – “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want” (Psalm 23). The Second Reading reminded us that through baptism we “put on Christ” and are born anew in the Spirit. These young readers embodied the message: faith is alive, participatory, and anchored in community. Their calm, confident voices set a tone of solemn joy and shared responsibility.
Homily Reflection — Roots, Renewal and Responsibility
In his homily, our celebrant invited parents, children and sponsors to reflect on three aspects of baptism: roots, renewal, and responsibility. He pondered that baptism ties us to God’s covenant (our roots), and yet it also signals a fresh start (renewal) — not a one-time event, but the beginning of a lifelong journey. As one homilist puts it:
“Baptism is not simply an event in our past: it is the foundation of all Christian life.” Priest Matthew Jackson
He went on: “Today, you plant a seed of faith in these children. May they grow in love, hope and service. And may the community around them help them to carry that flame.” The message resonated deeply, reminding the school family that faith is communal, ongoing, and rooted in action.
The Baptism Ceremony — Young Hearts, New Lives
When the time came, each child approached the baptismal font amid prayers, hymns and gentle applause. Parents and godparents presented their children, reaffirming the promises of faith, hope and charity. The water was poured, the oil of catechumen applied, and each child was marked with the sign of the cross — a visible symbol of being claimed by Christ and welcomed into the Body of the Church. The chapel echoed with the words of welcome: “We receive you into the family of God.” The sight of families, the lighting of the baptismal candle, and the ringing of the baptismal bell captured the deep joy of this sacred moment.
Community Prayer & Blessing
After the individual baptisms, the entire assembly stood and prayed together for the newly baptized and their families. The celebrant blessed them all, calling on the Holy Spirit to guide their steps, to surround them with loving community, and to strengthen the school’s mission of faith and learning. Parents, sponsors and teachers committed themselves to the children’s ongoing spiritual formation. The school choir offered “Now Thank We All Our God,” and the atmosphere was one of hope and promise — not just for the children, but for the whole community.
Looking Ahead — Carrying the Light
As the ceremony closed, the celebrant reminded everyone that this is just the beginning. These young lives have entered a journey — one of growth, challenge, and service. At La Salle Catholic School, we pledge to walk alongside them: academically, spiritually and morally. May the light lit today continue to shine brightly — in classrooms, playgrounds and homes. Let every child know: they are loved, supported and called to reflect that love outward.
