Baptism 

Holy Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit , and the door which gives access to the other sacraments (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1213).

The Rite of Baptism

Through Baptism we are freed from sin and reborn as sons and daughters of God; we become members of Christ, are incorporated into the Church and made sharers in her mission: Baptism is the Sacrament of regeneration through water in the Word (CCC 1213). 

The Rite of Baptism involves immersing the candidate in water or pouring it over his/her head, while invoking the Name of the Holy Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (CCC 1278).

If you are not Catholic but have received Baptism as described, we consider your baptism valid. So you will not be baptised again if you choose to join the Catholic Church. Rather, you will be initiated into full communion with us through the Sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist.

 

Do you want to receive the Sacrament of Baptism?

Baptism is a Sacrament of faith, and the Church asks for a serious and loving commitment by the parents and godparents of a child to live the life of the Sacraments. The baptism ceremony for adults and teens is similar to baptism of children except that you make the baptismal promises yourself. Instead of godparents, adults have sponsors whose role is to encourage you in the Catholic Faith.

For children aged 6 and below

• At least one parent should be a practising Catholic
• Parent(s) to attend Infant Baptism preparation sessions at the parish
• Either one godparent, or two (one male and one female), who is a confirmed Catholic over the age of 16

Contact us for more information and assistance in your preparations. If you are seeking baptism in another parish please contact Fr Ethelbert in the first instance. As a first step please complete the Baptism form and return it to us at the Parish Office.

For children aged 7 to 18

Contact Fr Ethelbert via the Parish Office for more information.

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). If you would like to do this, please fill out the attached RCIA form and return it to the Parish Office.


For further information on the sacrament of baptism click here.