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Liturgical colour: white. Wednesday 4 NovemberOrdinary TimeSt. Charles Borromeo, Bishop

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St Kizito's ParishWillowmere
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Baptism

Baptism is the first sacrament. It frees us from sin and gives us new life in Christ as members of the Church.

About the sacrament

“Through Baptism we are freed from sin and reborn as sons of God; we become members of Christ, are incorporated into the Church and made sharers in her mission.”

“The Church and the parents would deny a child the priceless grace of becoming a child of God were they not to confer Baptism shortly after birth.”

Parents and godparents have a real part to play. Godparents must be firm believers, able and ready to help the newly baptised on the road of Christian life.

Matthew 28:19-20 Jesus sends the apostles to make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.

John 3:5 Jesus tells Nicodemus that we must be born again of water and the Spirit.

Romans 6:3-4 In Baptism we die with Christ and rise with him to a new life.

Catechism §1213 · Catechism §1250 · Catechism §1255 · Matthew 28:19-20 · John 3:5 · Romans 6:3-4

Steps to Baptism

Speak to the parish as soon as you can after your child is born.

  1. Step 1 · As soon as you can

    Register your child

    Tell the parish about your child and the date you hope for. Bring your child's birth certificate.

    Register for Baptism →
  2. Step 2

    Choose godparents

    At least one godparent must be a confirmed Catholic who receives Holy Communion. A godparent from another parish brings a letter from that parish.

    Ask for a godparent letter →
  3. Step 3

    Come to the Baptism class

    Parents and godparents learn what Baptism means and the promises they will make.

  4. Step 4

    The Baptism

    Celebrated on the day agreed with the parish.

What is needed

Infants and young children are baptised in the faith of the Church and of their parents, who promise to bring them up in it. Older children are prepared with classes suited to their age. Adults preparing for Baptism join RCIA.

Requirements

  • At least one parent is a practising Catholic who will bring the child up in the faith.
  • Parents attend the Baptism preparation class before the Baptism date.
  • Godparents are practising Catholics aged 16 or over who have received Confirmation and Holy Communion. One godparent is enough; if there are two, they are a godfather and a godmother.
  • Parents cannot be godparents for their own child.
  • A baptised Christian of another church may stand as a Christian witness alongside a Catholic godparent.
  • Register with the parish office in good time, at least a month before the date you would like.

Documents to bring

  • The child's birth certificate or hospital birth record.
  • The parents' Church marriage certificate, if they are married in the Church. If you are not, speak to the priest; he will help you.
  • The godparents' Baptism and Confirmation details or certificates.
  • A letter from the godparent's own parish priest confirming they are a practising Catholic, if the godparent belongs to another parish.
  • A letter of permission from your own parish priest, if you live outside this parish.
  • Proof of parish registration, such as a parish membership card, if the parish asks for it.

Preparation classes

Parents and godparents attend a short preparation class before the Baptism. Register with the parish office and you will be given the next class date.

Register for Baptism

Questions people ask

How soon after birth should my child be baptised?

The Church asks parents to have their child baptised within the first weeks after birth. Contact the parish office soon after the birth to arrange the class and a date.

Can my child be baptised if we are not married in the Church?

Yes. Speak to the priest. He will want to know that your child will be brought up in the faith, and he will gladly help you towards having your own marriage celebrated or blessed in the Church.

Who can be a godparent?

A practising Catholic aged 16 or over who has been confirmed, has received Holy Communion and is not the child's parent.

Someone is in danger of death. What do we do?

Call the parish at once. If death is near and no priest or deacon can come, any person may baptise by pouring water on the head and saying: I baptise you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit (CCC 1256). Then tell the parish so the Baptism can be recorded.

I was baptised here. How do I get my certificate?

Ask for it on the Certificates page. The parish office will find your entry in the register and prepare it.

I am an adult and have never been baptised.

You are very welcome. Adults are prepared through RCIA. See the RCIA page or contact the parish office.