We are delighted that you are bringing your child to be baptised in the Catholic Church. Baptism is a joyful beginning of your child’s life in Christ and a celebration for your family and the parish community. This page is to help you prepare as a family for the day of Baptism.
To organise your child’s Baptism, please contact us to make an appointment with one of the clergy.
What Baptism Means
Baptism is the sacrament by which your child:
- Is welcomed into the family of the Church
Baptism makes your child a member of the Catholic Church. They become part of a worldwide community of believers who support one another in faith, prayer, and love. - Is freed from original sin and reborn as a child of God
The Church teaches that Baptism washes away original sin and brings new spiritual life. Your child is claimed by God and given the dignity of being God’s beloved son or daughter. - Begins a lifelong journey of faith in Jesus Christ
Baptism is not a single moment but the start of a journey. It opens the door to the other sacraments and to a growing relationship with God throughout life.
Because your child cannot yet speak for themselves, you as parents speak on their behalf and make important promises about how you will raise them in the faith.
Your Role as Parents
During the baptism, you will be asked if you are willing to raise your child in the Catholic faith. This includes:
- Teaching your child to pray
Helping your child learn simple prayers and encouraging them to speak to God in their own words. - Helping them to know Jesus through your words and example
Children learn faith not only from what they are taught, but from what they see. Your kindness, forgiveness, and love speak powerfully. - Bringing them to Mass and the Sacraments
Participating in the life of the Church helps your child feel at home in the parish and grow in understanding of faith and worship. - Supporting them as they grow in faith, even when it is challenging
There may be times of doubt or distance. Your steady presence and openness can help your child continue their journey.
Choosing Godparents
Godparents are chosen to help you in this responsibility, but the primary role always belongs to you as parents.
The Godparents [‘Sponsors’] present your child for Baptism together with you. They pledge to help your child to lead a Christian life. It is enough to choose one Sponsor, but you may choose two (one male; one female).
A Godparent/Sponsor must be at least 16 years old and a practicing Catholic who has been Confirmed and received their First Holy Communion. A baptised Christian who is not Catholic can accompany a Catholic Sponsor at the Baptism; he/she is called a Christian Witness to the Baptism.
What Happens on the Day of the Baptism
While details may vary slightly by parish, a Catholic baptism usually includes:
- Welcome
The priest greets you and asks your child’s name and your request of the Church. - Signing with the Cross
The priest, parents, and godparents trace the sign of the cross on your child’s forehead. - Readings and Prayers
God’s Word is proclaimed and prayers are offered for your child and family. - Anointing with Oil
Your child is anointed as a sign of strength and protection in Christ. - Blessing of the Water and Baptism
Water is poured over your child’s head three times as they are baptised in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. - Anointing with Chrism
This perfumed oil is a sign of sharing in Christ’s life and mission. - White Garment and Baptismal Candle
The white garment symbolises new life in Christ. The candle, lit from the Easter candle, represents the light of faith. - Conclusion and Blessing
The community prays for your family as you begin this new chapter.
Baptism is the beginning, not the end, of a journey. The Church is here to walk with you and your child as you grow together in faith. We look forward to celebrating this beautiful sacrament with your family.