The Sacrament of Baptism, together with Confirmation and Eucharist, lays the foundation of every Christian life. Through Baptism we are born anew, through Confirmation strengthened and through Eucharist receive the food of eternal life. If you are seeking baptism for yourself or your child, please contact the parish office.

Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit and the door which leads to access to the other sacraments. Through baptism we are freed from sin and reborn as children of God. We become members of Christ, incorporated into the Church and made sharers in her mission.

Baptism frees us from sin, including original sin. The human race is tainted by sin and evil and all who are born are affected by that, even before they do anything wrong. We call this ‘Original Sin’. Baptism cleanses us of Original Sin and any personal sins we may have committed before we were baptised.

Baptism also makes us members of the Church. By becoming part of the Church, we become members of Christ’s body on earth and we enjoy new life free from sin. Everyone who is baptised takes on the obligation to live as part of the Church, participating in other Sacraments, especially the Eucharist, the Mass.

During the baptismal rite, parents make a commitment to bring up their child in the practice of the faith. This is a serious commitment made before God and calls for careful reflection.

Arranging a baptism

Babies

The first thing to do is to contact the Parish Office. You don’t have to wait until your baby is born. If your baby is not yet born, speak to Father Carl Davies about blessing the mother of your unborn child. You will need to provide some details about your family and your child and, if this is your first child, have a preparation session with Deacon Roger before the baptism.
The best time for a baptism is during Sunday Mass when the person being baptised will be welcomed into the local worshipping community. Alternatively, baptism can take place on a Sunday afternoon. Sometimes there will be more than one person to be baptised.

Older children

If your child has not started school yet, baptism will be as explained above. If your child is 7 years of age or older and has some understanding of what is going on then he or she will be normally be prepared for the Sacrament by joining the First Holy Communion programme and baptism will take place towards the end of the programme.
If your child is 14 years of age or older the best course would be to join a Confirmation programme.
To find out more, contact the Parish Office.

Godparents

You need to have at least one godparent who is a Catholic and has been confirmed. Most people have two godparents but more are possible. Ideally godparents will be present but if they cannot be present someone can stand in as a proxy.

Adult Baptism

Adults who wish to be baptised normally join the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. People on this programme meet regularly to discuss aspects of the Catholic faith. Baptism of adults normally takes place at the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday, the night before Easter Day.

Attendance at Church

If you have not come to Church recently, you are invited to come as often as you can. Baptism is a Sacrament and involves a loving relationship with God and includes our whole life.

Information Form

Please complete the information Form and email it to st.gab@btinternet.com