The Catholic (Universal) Church and Baptism

Yesterday we celebrated a happy and moving Rite of Baptism for Several Children - five in total, belonging to four lovely couples who took part in our Baptism Preparation class one week ago.

It was rather busy on the altar with the priest, Fr Kevin Dring, parents, godparents and infants. With one or two children we use the baptistery at the back of the church, but with several families it gets crowded and it is difficult for family and friends to see and participate effectively.

The word 'Catholic' in Catholic Church means 'universal' and I was reminded of it by the variety of nationalities present: among the four couples were nationals of Argentina, France, Cameroon, Ireland - and of course the United Kingdom. Several more nationalities were present among the friends and relations attending - and Fr Kevin's opening welcome in both English and Spanish clearly surprised and delighted one couple from Peru.

In the front porch is a poster underscoring the global nature of the Church. The parishioners attending the Sacred Heart Church come from more than 40 different nationalities - 46 at the last count.

The Church is considered Catholic/Universal in at least two key senses: as Christ is present in the Church, which is His visible body, and since He transcends dimensions, she is necessarily universal; she also has a mission and is organised to evangelize the entire world. The Sacrament of Baptism - the 'door to the Church' - is key to this. To Christ's own command to 'make disciples of all nations, baptizing them... (Matt 28:19) is the related promise that 'The one who believes and is baptized will be saved...' (Mark 16:16). So, yes, there's a lot of happiness involved in baptisms - the first stage on the journey to Heaven!