Baptism is the beginning of our life of faith, the beginning of getting to know and understand what being loved by God means. Baptism is God’s token to us of his great love. Our faith carries us forward to the Sacraments, but when we are babies it is the faith of our parents which brings us to the Sacrament of Baptism.

Infant Baptism

Congratulations on the birth of your child. The Church rejoices with you at the arrival of a new and unique person who is loved by God and created in his image. Having been blessed with your new child you are now setting about doing the best for your child and for many Catholic parents this means joining the family of the Church, especially the Church in your local area, your Parish. Through Baptism we become Christians and share in the life of the Church, which is Christ’s body on earth. The Baptism you are requesting for your child will be the greatest gift that you can ever give – a gift that means a life lived in the love of Jesus and in the power of the Holy Spirit. Your child’s Baptism will be the beginning of a journey of faith – an exciting and challenging journey which will lead the child deeper and deeper into the heart and love of God.

If you want us to Baptise your child

Please complete a Baptism Application Form available at the backs of each church. Return this to the Parish Office (based in St. Teresa’s Presbytery) in person (weekdays except Wednesdays between 10am and 2pm) or put it through St. Teresa’s Presbytery letterbox. You must include your contact number so that we can get in touch. You will also need to attend a Baptism Preparation Course. This is usually held on the first Saturday of each month, at 3pm. This session is approximately for one hour and occurs in the ‘Our Lady Chapel’, to the right of the Altar at St. Teresa’s. Your Rite of Welcome Mass and Baptism Service can then be booked. Baptisms are normally on Saturdays, at 1pm, in St. Teresa’s Church.

Please note: for us to Baptise your child, you must be a parishioner or have the sincere intention of joining the parish if you are new. If you belong to another parish, we will need the permission of your Parish Priest to Baptise your child here.

Godparents & Witnesses

Each infant or young child who is to be Baptised must have at least one Godparent and a maximum of two – i.e. a Godmother and a Godfather. The parents of the child to be Baptised are prohibited from fulfilling the role of Godparent for their own child. Godparents must be at least sixteen years of age and have made their Confirmation. The Godparent must live life in harmony with the Catholic faith and must intend to encourage your child to be faithful to the teachings of the Catholic Church. If you wanted a non-Catholic/other Christian to be a Godparent, this is not possible but they can be a Witness instead. This can be explained more at the Baptism Course.

Church offering

It is the custom to make an offering for the upkeep and support of the church which can be given on the day of Baptism. The suggested minimum donation is £20. If you are unable to make an offering, please let us know – your child will still be Baptised.