“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. Through Baptism we are freed from sin and reborn as children 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” Catechism of the Catholic Church CCC 1213
Congratulations on the birth of your child!
We welcome your child, the newest member of our family, and we receive with joy this precious gift of life from God. As parent(s) it will be your duty to bring up your child in the Faith but, as a community, we are here to support you in that role by offering our assistance. During the Baptism ceremony and in the presence of the community of the faithful, you and the child’s Godparents will profess on behalf of your child the Faith of the Church. It is a responsibility you are accepting and expressing in the Faith and Tradition of the Catholic Church. There is no reason to be afraid. It is a special occasion of joy and gratitude to God for your child.
Arranging the Baptism
If you wish to have your child baptised then please see the Parish Priest, at Mass at the weekend. Mass times are: 6pm on Saturday evening and 10.30am on Sunday morning at Our Lady of the Assumption; 5.30pm Saturday & 9am & 11.15 am Sunday at St John Vianney, and 10am Sunday at St Cuthbert’s.
This is an opportunity to introduce yourselves in person rather than just by email or phone. He will then arrange to meet with you to get further details and to arrange the Baptism Preparation.
At least one parent must be a baptised Catholic and you will normally need to be residing in the Parish or be regularly attending Mass in the Parish. If in doubt please come along and ask.
Baptisms take place on Sunday after Mass and occasionally (upon request) within the Mass itself.