Baptism

baptism

Baptism is the beginning of a process of belonging to the Church. We know that children need time to grow and develop. The Catholic Church spaces the process of Christian Initiation over many years.

The Church is also conscious that your child will one day need to own for themselves’ what you do for them at Baptism.

Christian Initiation for children begins with the celebration of Baptism. Over the next eleven years your child will also celebrate First Reconciliation, First Eucharist and Confirmation which completes initiation into the Catholic Church.

Like all sacraments of the Church, baptism is a celebration for all, not just those immediately known to the candidate. Baptism is not a private family affair. It is the very business of the worshipping community which receives the newly-baptised person into its midst.

It is in this community that your child will grow in and develop his or her relationship with God and celebrate the other sacraments which will complete his or her initiation into the Catholic Church (reconciliation, eucharist and confirmation).

When Are Baptisms Held?

Baptism is normally celebrated on the 1st and 3rd Sundays of the month. 

Please contact the Parish Office to check the exact dates and availability before making family arrangements, booking reception venues, etc. Please note that we are not able to change dates to fit in with reception venue availability.

Baptisms are not celebrated during Lent, the Church’s season of preparation for Easter. Normally there are increased opportunities to celebrate Baptism on Easter Sunday and the four Sundays after Easter.

Parents need to attend a Baptism Preparation session before the Baptism of their child can take place. This session looks at what the sacrament of Baptism is, the roles of parents, Godparents and the Christian community and how the sacrament will be celebrated during Mass.

Please contact the Parish Office at least two months in advance for bookings and further information.