Congratulations on the birth of your child! Or, if you are new to the Church, welcome to a faith-filled community that eagerly anticipates your communion with the Catholic Church.
What is Baptism?
What happens in Baptism? What do we hope for from Baptism? We hope, of course, for eternal life for our children. This is the purpose of Baptism.
The sacrament of Baptism is the first of the sacraments of initiation. It is by Baptism that we become members of Christ’s body, the Church, and enjoy the promise of salvation he made to us, by dying for us on the Cross and rising to new life. In Baptism we begin a new life in Jesus Christ. Baptism, including the Baptism of infants, has been practiced from the earliest days of the Church, and is done in response to our Lord’s command ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.
Baptism requires a commitment, not only from the person baptised, but in infant Baptism from you the parents (and godparents) to teach, support and encourage your child how to be a good faithful Catholic. To live a life of faith is to be a disciple of Jesus Christ; this is an incredibly important witness to the modern world and has relevance in every area of life. By making the decision to have your child baptised, you are not only being courageous, but you are a witness and an example to others.
Arranging a Baptism
Baptisms in our Parish takes place in a scheduled Church each month (see latest bulletin) at 12:15pm on the thrid Sunday of each month. Baptisms may be booked in the parish office from Tuesday to Thursday 2pm to 4.30pm. Baptisms may only be booked in person or online by the mother or both parents of the child and the long civil birth certificate MUST be provided in advance of the Baptism.
Residents outside of the parish boundaries, parents are welcome to bring their child back to the Church of the parents Baptism, but they must bring their own priest to perform the Baptism. Visiting clergy will be required to sign a form taking responability of arranging cover in the event that they are unable to proform the marriage cerremony. A non refundable charge is required for use of church.
Godparents
At least one godparent is required. A maxium of two godparents are required !
The requirements for godparents are:
- be not less than sixteen years of age.
- be a Catholic who has received the sacraments of First Holy Communion and Confirmation.
- may not be the mother or father of the person to be baptised.
Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is a programme for adults seeking full communion in the Catholic Church. It involves the formation and education of both Catholics who are in need of the sacraments of the Eucharist and/or Confirmation or non-Catholics who are seeking full communion with the Roman Catholic Church. It is the roadmap for the spiritual journey, a gradual process that varies according ‘to the many forms of God’s grace, the free cooperation of the individual, the actions of the church and the circumstances to time and place. (RCIA 5)
If you are an adult Catholic in need of the sacraments or a non-Catholic interested in learning more about the Catholic faith, please register your interest with the Diocesan RCIA programme facilitators. Please also make contact with the parish office so that the priests and people of Our Parishes can support you in your journey.
Please click button below to fill out Baptism form for your child but only do so if you
CLEARLY understand the above information !!
CLEARLY understand the above information !!