Baptism
Through Baptism we are freed from sin and joined with Christ, sharing in His divinity and destined for eternal life
Originally for adults, Baptism is a celebration of Conversion or change of life, and of Belonging, becoming part of the Community of disciples of Christ called ‘the Church’.
Baptism is now often celebrated for the infant children of members of the Church, on the strength of their parents’ faith and with the expectation that that faith will be passed on to them by their Parents:
“Parents are the first teachers of their children in the ways of Faith; May they also be the best of teachers” (Rite of Infant Baptism).
If you hope to Baptise your child, download the form ‘Your Child and Baptism’, complete it, and hand it to the parish priest after one of the Sunday Masses. Please note electronic submissions of the completed form will not be accepted.
Adults interested in being Baptised and Confirmed into the Catholic Church should start by joining the regular Sunday congregation, and then talking to the parish priest about how they might proceed.
Older children over ‘the age of reason’ (8yrs) but not yet reached the age of majority (18yrs) should make an appointment, with their parents, to talk to the parish priest.
Most of your questions will be covered in the Baptism Preparation programme which is obligatory for the parents to undertake. The preparation only has to be completed once, we record who has attended preparation in the past. During the preparation you will be given an outline of the Baptism service, items for consideration, and some insight into the commitment you are undertaking for your child. Failure to attend preparation will result in the Baptism being postponed.
Download the leaflet ‘Your Child and Baptism’, complete it, and return it to the parish priest at the end of one of the Sunday Masses. Please note electronic submissions of the completed form will not be accepted.