Baptism of your child

We welcome infants and children into membership of the church, as children of God, through the Sacrament of Baptism. For babies, the membership commitment is expressed on their behalf by parents and godparents. Older children make their own commitment when they are ready to do so. This commitment is brought to maturity by Confirmation, reflecting the gift of the Holy Spirit to the apostles at the first Pentecost.

Preparing for Christian Baptism

If you are a member of our parish and would like to have your child baptised, introduce yourself to Father Tom after mass to arrange to meet.   

What is Baptism?

Baptism is the first Sacrament. It is the rite of entry to the Christian faith, and something deeply sacred happens. The Holy Spirit is coming to your child just as it came to Jesus in the River Jordan. Holy Baptism marks the beginning of a child’s lifelong journey with Jesus.

Why baptise a baby?

From the time of the Apostles, the Catholic Church has always baptised children belonging to faithful Christian families – usually as babies but perhaps, also, as an adult. Baptism is never repeated in the life time of a Christian (as long as there is a proper record). Baptism is on the understanding that parents and godparents will make the promises on behalf of the child until they are ready to be Confirmed. You must be happy that you and the godparents are able to make these promises in good conscience.  

When does Baptism happen?

Baptisms are by arrangement with the Parish Priest and often happen after the Sunday Mass

How does the ceremony happen?

The ceremony takes about 30 minutes. Do not be anxious, there is nothing to rehearse. The Priest welcomes everybody.

Presenting the child

Parents and godparents present the child, renew their own faith, and accept the responsibility of introducing the child into the Catholic faith. On behalf of the child, they proclaim the faith of the Church in their responses. If one parent is not Catholic, they are asked to join in so far as they feel able.

Godparents

To be a godparent is an honour but it is also a commitment. Choosing a godparent means that you would like this person to be a guardian and helper, especially of the Spirit and Christian faith. Godparents (normally two or three) should be:

• at least 16 years of age
• a Catholic who has received the sacraments of Baptism, Confession, Holy Communion and Confirmation
• someone who regularly attends Mass.

In exceptional circumstances, if a godparent is prevented from attending because of some unavoidable issue, providing they conform to the above criteria, another person may stand as ‘proxy’.

Signs and symbols used in Baptism

Blessed salt - the child's senses are opened to Almighty God

Anointing – the child is anointed before and after the Baptism with water and Chrism oil.

A lighted candle – a ceremonial candle reminds us that Christ is the Light of the World

Clothing in white garments – part of the rite includes clothing the child with a shawl or other white garment.

For adults

If you would like to be baptised as an adult, you will need to participate in some instruction, individually or through the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA). Traditionally adult Baptisms take place during the ceremony of the Easter Vigil. Therefore, you might be asked to wait for Easter for Baptism. See our RCIA page.