ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST'S

New Zealand Herald, Volume XIX, Issue 651, 2 October 1882, Page 3

ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST'S

CHURCH, PARNELL,

RENEWAL OF BAPTISMAL VOWB, At the eyeaing service, yesterday, the Roman Catholic Church of St. John the Baptist, Parnell, was crowded to excess, the pocasion being to witness the ceremony of the renewal of baptismal towb. Not only seats, but the aisle and doorways were thronged, and numbers stood around outside the door. The children, whose ages ranged from about 13 too years, assembled in theconvent adjoining the church. There were about 60 girls, all dressed in white, with blue sashes, wreaths of flowers on the head, and long flowing veils, looking tho picture of neatness and care. The boys numbered about 40. Many of these wore green sashes, and all were neatly and tastefully dressed. The Sisters of llercy arranged the wreaths and veil 3 of the girls. The procession left' the Convent ior the church at half-past six o'clock, and marched to the church. Large numbers aasembled outside to witness the display. Marshalled by the Sunday-school teachers and the Sisters of Mercy, the procession marched into the church, and occupied the six front rows of seats. The Very Rev. Father Fynes, Vic. Cap., officiated. - The proceedings commenced by the children singing a, hymn, after which the Very Rev. Father Fynes conducted the service of prayer. He then delivered an earnest and impressive address. They were, he said, met together to perform a great religious ceremony—to renew the promises made for them at their baptism by their sponsors. He reminded sponsors what these promises were, and the important duty which devolved on them, and the responsibilities which rested on them. It vra3 their dnty to do their best to instruct their godchildren in the knowledge, the love, and tho service of God, and to fit them for the eternal world. He al3o .dwelt on the awful responsibilities of parents to instruct their children by precept and example. Then addressing the children, he told them of the promises made on their behalf, and reminding them that they had now come to the years of understanding, he pointed out the fearful consequences of non-fulfilment of those promises. He would do hie duty as their pastor, and furnish them with the means of instruction. He then addressed the congregation generally, on the subject of the vow, elucidating his remarks by numerous examples. He concluded by urging on j parents their duty to their children, urging all to think on the promises made at their baptism, to endeavour to renounce Satan and all his works, and to do all they could to please God and keep his commandmets. The congregation then all knelt. Each child held a lighted candle during the ceremony. Mis 3 Alary Hogan, Miss Ann Fitt, and Miss Florence Lynch read the vows and devotions, after which the Very Rev. Pastor addressed the congregation on the meaning of the ceremony and its importance. We may add that in the intervals of the ceremony, the children sang suitable and appropriate hymus in a very pleasing manner.