“This water symbolises baptism that now saves you. Not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a clear conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ.” 1 Peter 3:21
If you are an adult and are seeking baptism, speak to Fr Stephen and you will be invited to take part in Alpha leading to the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA).
For children, baptism is the first step of an amazing journey with God. A lifetime of discovering more about love, faith, and hope begins - a wonderful moment to celebrate. It is a sacrament, a physical sign (pouring on us of water), given us by Jesus, with the words by which God gives us His grace (His power):
“I baptise you, in the Name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit”.
If you are interested in being baptised or would like your child to be baptised the best way to start the process is to visit the church. Come along to one of our Masses and speak to Fr. Stephen or one of the Baptism Team afterwards.
At a baptism the parents make solemn promises to bring the child up as a Catholic, supported by the godparents and the parish community. The parents are the ‘first and best teachers of their child in the ways of faith’ and with the partnership of a Catholic school your child can grow to be a disciple of Jesus.
Who can be a godparent?
A godparent must be a believing Catholic, who is over sixteen years of age and has been baptised, confirmed and received their First Holy Communion. A godparent goes to Mass each week. He or she is committed to helping you during the time of baptismal preparation and someone who will help you be the first teachers of your child in the ways of faith. They will share that faith with your child as they grow to adulthood. He or she must pray for your child often and be someone who will be well known to him or her as they grow up. It's also great to see them at the Rite of Welcome Mass.
Do they have to be a Catholic?
Yes, a godparent will be a Catholic who goes to Mass weekly.
There is also the option to ask someone to be a Christian Witness. They do not have to be Catholic, but should be a person of the Gospel and committed to their Christian faith. They make the same promises as godparents and have the same responsibilities. They will be made very welcome at the Baptism service.
How many godparents can I have?
The Church speaks of having two godparents. However, this does not mean you need to have godfather and a godmother. Alternatively, you may have one godparent and one Christian witness. Two names will be recorded in the Baptismal Registers.
How do I arrange a Baptism at Our Lady’s?
- Come along to one of our Masses and introduce yourself to Fr. Stephen afterwards.
- You will be invited to a preparation meeting.
- There will be a Mass of Welcome when the first part of the Baptism Service will be conducted.
- There will be a second preparation session.
- Once you feel at home in the parish have been to both sessions and your child has had the Rite of Welcome we will send out available dates for the baptism celebration.
- The Baptism will usually take place after 11am Sun Mass or within any of of our Sunday Masses if you would prefer.
What is a preparation session?
The two preparation sessions led by a wonderful team of catechists (helpers) who will help you understand more deeply the meaning of Baptism. It is good if the godparents can take part in these sessions, as well as the Rite of Welcome at Sunday Mass. The sessions are friendly and relaxed, and help you to understand the Church’s teaching on Baptism and what will be required of you on the day.