Baptism
Dates of future meetings are given below. All meetings are held at Holy Family at 8pm. Baptism forms are available at the back of all three churches or from Holy Family or St Joseph’s parish offices. For 2012 Baptism Preparation dates, click here
Baptism is the gateway to all the other Sacraments and, indeed,
the life of grace in the Church. Through the pouring or
immersion in water in the name of the Father, Son and Holy
Spirit the infant or adult becomes part of the Church.
In this Sacrament we die with Christ that we might share in his
resurrection (Romans 6). Baptism is the sacrament of
salvation that opens for us the way to eternal life.
The church requires a minimum of one Catholic godparent who
should be practising in the faith and be available to support
the family in the Christian life. Baptised Christians of other
denominations can also be ‘Christian witnesses’ in a similar
role to the Godparents. Note that Baptisms are not held in
Advent or Lent unless there is an urgent need.
Baptism of adults typically involves at least a year of enquiry
and instruction in the Faith of the Church. This is covered in
the RCIA Programme.
The sacrament of infant Baptism can be celebrated during Mass,
but the preferred time is at 12:15 on Sunday in any of the 3
churches in the Parish. In order for a child to be baptised the
parents must attend the two preparation sessions, first and
third Wednesday of each month (see Newsletter for up to date
details), which run at 20.00pm at Holy Family Church Hall and
last about 1 hour each. During session 2, the precise date will
be arranged, and if there are special circumstances, it may be
possible to arrange for a different day or time, but his is only
by direct arrangement with Deacon Tim.