Baptism
In having children baptised, we follow the teaching of Christ Our Lord and the ancient practice of the Church. Due to the importance of Baptism, the Church teaches that parents should have their children baptised “within the first few weeks” after their birth.
Baptism is much more than a “naming ceremony,” a blessing for the baby or the excuse for a party. Baptism is a Sacrament founded by Christ Himself. If you are an adult or the parent of an older child who has not been baptized then do speak to Father Bill OSM and he will advise you.
In Baptism
We are forgiven Original Sin.
We become members of the Church.
We are born again as children of God.
Duties of the parents
At the Baptism the parents promise to bring their child up in the practice of the Faith. This means :
You continue to attend Holy Mass every Sunday and Holy day of Obligation.
You teach your child to pray.
You teach your child the beliefs of the Catholic Faith and how to lead a good Christian life.
Preparation
There are a number of things you need to do before the Baptism.
See the priest for a Baptism application form and to arrange to attend a Baptism preparation session.
Choose the child’s name(s). At least one of the names must be a “Christian” name, ie the name of a saint.
Choose godparents – normally one or two. At least one godparent must be a practising Catholic aged 16 or over.
The Ceremony
At Ss Peter & Paul Baptisms usually take place at Holy Mass on Sundays at 10am where the young baby will welcomed by the whole believing community of Faith. The priest will explain the various rites of the Baptism. You need to bring a white shawl. The church will provide the Baptismal candle, which is a sign of the resurrection of Jesus. Your family and friends, whether Catholic or not, are very welcome to attend the Baptism. It is also possible for Baptism to take place outside the celebration of Holy Mass on a day mutually agreed after preparation.
Fees
In the Catholic Church, there is no formal fee for a Baptism. It is however customary to make an offering (a stipend or stole fee) to the Parish Priest which helps with his ordinary living expenses for the year. A donation is of course according to means but a suggested donation of £100 would be reasonable, but only if it is affordable to you.
Baptism is much more than a “naming ceremony,” a blessing for the baby or the excuse for a party. Baptism is a Sacrament founded by Christ Himself. If you are an adult or the parent of an older child who has not been baptized then do speak to Father Bill OSM and he will advise you.
In Baptism
We are forgiven Original Sin.
We become members of the Church.
We are born again as children of God.
Duties of the parents
At the Baptism the parents promise to bring their child up in the practice of the Faith. This means :
You continue to attend Holy Mass every Sunday and Holy day of Obligation.
You teach your child to pray.
You teach your child the beliefs of the Catholic Faith and how to lead a good Christian life.
Preparation
There are a number of things you need to do before the Baptism.
See the priest for a Baptism application form and to arrange to attend a Baptism preparation session.
Choose the child’s name(s). At least one of the names must be a “Christian” name, ie the name of a saint.
Choose godparents – normally one or two. At least one godparent must be a practising Catholic aged 16 or over.
The Ceremony
At Ss Peter & Paul Baptisms usually take place at Holy Mass on Sundays at 10am where the young baby will welcomed by the whole believing community of Faith. The priest will explain the various rites of the Baptism. You need to bring a white shawl. The church will provide the Baptismal candle, which is a sign of the resurrection of Jesus. Your family and friends, whether Catholic or not, are very welcome to attend the Baptism. It is also possible for Baptism to take place outside the celebration of Holy Mass on a day mutually agreed after preparation.
Fees
In the Catholic Church, there is no formal fee for a Baptism. It is however customary to make an offering (a stipend or stole fee) to the Parish Priest which helps with his ordinary living expenses for the year. A donation is of course according to means but a suggested donation of £100 would be reasonable, but only if it is affordable to you.