Baptism

In receiving Baptism, these children obtain as a gift an indelible spiritual seal, the “character” that inwardly marks their belonging to the Lord for ever and makes them living members of his Mystical Body, which is the Church. While they become part of the People of God, today a journey begins for these children,  which must be a journey of holiness and of conformation to Jesus,    a reality that is placed within them like the seed of a splendid tree whose growth must be nurtured.

                                                                                         Pope Benedict XVI

Baptism is the gateway to life in the Spirit and this door gives access to the other Sacraments. It is Baptism through which we are freed from sin and the power of darkness. In Baptism, we are reborn as children of God. The one baptised becomes a member of the Church. The baptised share in the Mission of the Church, the Body of Christ living in the world. This is why Baptism is not a private family occasion. Every baptism is a joy and blessing for the whole Church.

Baptismal Preparation
Before taking the first steps towards Baptism, the Church invites Parents to reflect seriously on the vocation of Christian parenthood. The Church prescribes that for a child to be baptised, there should be “a well-founded hope that the child will be brought up in the Catholic Faith” (Canon Law 868).  To “be brought up in the Catholic Faith” means the child will be brought up to love God and neighbour and to grow up knowing and being an active part of the Community of Faith (the Church community). 

The Church provides for a preparation for Parents who are bringing their child forward for Baptism, essential for such an important step in a person’s life. You are welcome to contact the Parish Office to make arrangements if you believe you are ready for this noble undertaking.

Godparents
A Godparent needs to be a practising Catholic who is at least 16 years of age and who have been confirmed and received First Holy Communion.
A prospective Godparent is one who is living a life of faith in keeping with this responsible duty in supporting the Parents in their vocation. (Canon 874) There must be at least one Godparent for a Candidate. A committed Christian of another denomination may be invited to serve as a ‘Christian Witness’ at the Baptism.

Baptism Preparation   By appointment
Celebration of Baptism:    
Most Sundays at 10am (by appointment)