THE SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM

Baptism is not simply a “naming ceremony” or even just a blessing for a new baby. It is the beginning of the Christian life and the gateway to eternal life.
Because of this, the sacrament is taken very seriously in the Church.

Sacrament

We believe that Baptism is a sacrament, an action of Jesus Christin his Church. What Baptism does for your child In this sacrament:
Jesus Christ forgives original sin.
Opens the gates of heaven for us.
Welcomes us into his Church.
Makes us sons and daughters of God.

Your Duties
The ceremony of Baptism assumes a well-founded hope that you will bring your child up in the practice of the faith.

This means that you will:
Teach your child to pray.
Teach your child to lead a good Christian life.
Come to Mass on Sundays.
Teach your child the Christian faith.
 
The Ceremony
Since Baptism is never a private affair but entry into the family of the Church, your child might well be baptised with other children. Baptisms will normally take place once a month on a Sunday outside of Lent. Some may occur during one of the Sunday Masses in the presence of the parish community. During the Baptism there are various ceremonies that the priest will explain.  A white shawl will be used as a part of
the ceremony. A candle is also given as a sign of the resurrection of Jesus. The Church will provide this.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Baptism Fees?
In the Church in England, there is no fee for the Baptism. It is however appropriate to make an offering. You can give this in an envelope to the priest at the time of the Baptism. Or make a donation here 
If you cannot afford anything, it does not matter and nobody will be offended.

How soon should I have my child baptised?
Children should be baptised within the first weeks after birth. Arrangements can even be made before the child is born. (The priest will then also be able to give the blessing for an expectant mother and pray for the safe delivery of the child.) It is wrong to put off the Baptism simply in order to have a more elaborate celebration party afterwards. It is better to have the Baptism sooner and make the celebrations more simple.

I am not married. Can my child be baptised?
Yes. A child may be baptised so long as there is a well-founded hope that they will be brought up in the practice of the Christian faith. If you have any questions about marriage in the Church, please ask the priest because there are often misunderstandings
in this area.

Can I have my child baptised in the parish if I don't reside here?

Yes, if you regularly come to Mass here.
Or if you live in the parish, if you do not live in the parish then speak to the priest.

How many Godparents should we have?
Canon B 23  Of godparents and sponsors
1. For every child to be baptized there shall be not fewer than three godparents, of whom at least two shall be of the same sex as the child and of whom at least one shall be of the opposite sex; save that, when three cannot conveniently be had, one godfather and godmother shall suffice. Parents may be godparents for their own children provided that the child have at least one other godparent.
2. The godparents shall be persons who will faithfully fulfil their responsibilities both by their care for the children committed to their charge and by the example of their own godly living.
3. When one who is of riper years is to be baptized he shall choose three, or at least two, to be his sponsors, who shall be ready to present him at the font and afterwards put him in mind of his Christian profession and duties.
4. No person shall be admitted to be a sponsor or godparent who has not been baptized and confirmed. Nevertheless the minister shall have power to dispense with the requirement of confirmation in any case in which in his judgement need so requires.