Baptism

What Is Baptism?

Baptism is a sacred ritual in which water is poured over a person’s head (or they are immersed) in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. This action symbolises washing away sin, being born anew in Christ, and receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit (CCC 1214-1216).

Why Baptism Is Important?

  • Cleansing from Sin: Baptism removes original sin and any personal sins for those being baptised later in life (CCC 1263).
  • New Life in Christ: The sacrament gives us a new spiritual life and unites us to Christ and His Church (CCC 1213, 1265).
  • Entrance into the Church: Baptism welcomes us into the Christian community, making us part of God’s family (CCC 1270).

Who Can Be Baptised?

  • Infants: Parents and godparents bring children to Baptism to welcome them into the Church and commit to raising them in the faith.
  • Adults: Adults seeking Baptism undergo preparation through the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA), learning about the faith and committing to a Christian life.

Godparents (Sponsors)

Godparents play a vital role in the spiritual life of the baptised. According to Church law:

  • A godparent must be a baptised and confirmed Catholic who has already received the Eucharist.
  • They must be at least 16 years old and able to fulfil their role as a witness to the faith (CCC
    1255).
  • Only one male and one female or one godparent alone may be chosen.
  • Godparents cannot be the parents of the child.
  • Their responsibility is to help the child grow in faith and guide them as a follower of Christ (CCC 1253-1255).

How Baptism Is Celebrated
A typical Baptism includes:

  1. Reception of the Child or Candidate – The priest or deacon welcomes the person and their family.
  2. Sign of the Cross – The candidate is marked with the sign of Christ.
  3. Liturgy of the Word – Scripture readings remind us of God’s promises.
  4. Blessing of Water and Baptism – Water is poured, and the person is baptised in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
  5. Anointing with Oil – The newly baptized is anointed as a child of God.
  6. Presentation of the Candle and White Garment – Symbols of Christ’s light and purity.

At the end of the baptism, a star will be placed on the Baptism Tree near the Baptismal Font, bearing the name of the child baptised, the date of the baptism, and a vial of the holy water used during the ceremony. At the end of the year, around the feast of the Baptism of Our Lord, a communal celebration will take place to remember all the newly baptised members of our parish, at which the stars are returned to the parents and Godparents.

Our dedicated Baptismal Preparation Team is committed to supporting you throughout the baptism process. They will be in contact with you as soon as you book a baptism through the Parish Office, guiding you at every step of preparing for your child’s baptism. A Long-Form Birth Certificate must be presented at the time of booking. A baptism certificate will be given on the day of the baptism.