The Sacrement of Baptism

Baptisms

Parents and Godparents, this light is entrusted to you to be kept burning brightly. This child of yours has been enlightened by Christ to live always as a child of the Light (taken from the Rite of Baptism).

The church wants to rejoice with you at the arrival of your new child, who is created in the image and likeness of God. Baptism is an opportunity for your family and the Parish family to give thanks to God and to celebrate the gift of faith which you seek to give to your child.

As parents you have the great privilege – and responsibility – to help your child grow in the knowledge and love of God. During the Baptism, parents and godparents make promises on their own behalf and for the child. In preparation for this important moment and to help you to commit to this step, the Parish organises a Baptism Preparation Course which you are obliged to attend. These courses are also open to godparents, should they wish to attend.

Things to bear in mind:

• At least one parent should be a baptised member of the Catholic Church.
• Normally baptisms take place in the parish where a family is resident. However, if you do not live within St. Charles and St. Thomas More parish, but have a good reason for choosing to have your child baptised here, your own Parish Priest will need to give his permission for the Baptism to take place.
• At least two godparents are required, at least one of whom must be a practising Roman Catholic.
• Baptism is not about an event, it is about a lifestyle which you choose for your child and your family.
• We require a minimum of three months’ notice in order to arrange a Preparation Course and find a mutually convenient time for the Baptism.

What happens now?

Please come along to Mass and make yourself known to Fr. Ron.

The Baptism team

The Baptism team supports parents who wish their baby or child to receive the gift of Baptism. Parents are required to attend the 9:30 Mass on a Sunday and a three week preparation course following the ‘with you always’ programme. During the first Mass the parents and children are welcomed by Fr. Ron and our Parish family, during the ‘Rite of Welcome’.

Each week, after Mass and before the course begins, light refreshments are shared in the Meeting Room giving an opportunity for everyone to chat and get to know each other.

After the course parents are able to book a date for the Baptism Service, within three months of attending the course.

Services are held on a Sunday at 12 o’clock or during the 9:30 or 11 o’clock Mass on the last Sunday of each month.

Each family is presented with a set of prayer books, a card and Baptismal Certificate. 

Courses are held in January, April, July and October please check our calendar on the website for dates or the parish newsletter.

Catechesists are:

Joanne Davitt, Simon Hayward, Elleanor Lalley, Sue McNicholl, Debbie McCormack, Oonagh Newcomen, Netti Porter, John Filipe, Ana Filipe and Fran Stoddart

Administrator: Val Hogg