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The Significance of Baptism
Baptism is the first sacrament of Christian initiation (Confirmation and Eucharist are the next two).  “Holy Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit, and the door which gives access to the other sacraments” (Catechism of the Catholic Church 1213). The Lord Himself affirmed that Baptism is necessary for salvation (John 3:5).
 
The fruit of Baptism includes
?  forgiveness of original sin
?  birth into a new life as a son or daughter of God
?  becoming a member of Christ (‘Christened’) - and so receiving a Christian name -and a Temple of the Holy Spirit
?  being incorporated into the Church, the Body of Christ
?  being  made a sharer in the priesthood of Christ.
 
The Importance of Baptizing Children
From the earliest times the Church has Baptized not only adults but children as well.  Jesus Christ said “Unless a man is reborn in water and the Holy Spirit he cannot enter the kingdom of God” (John 3:5).  The Church has always understood these words to mean that children should not be deprived of Baptism.
 
The faith of the parents and godparents
Faith is always a requirement to receive a sacrament.  In the case of infant Baptism it is the parents and godparents who supply this faith.  For all the Baptized, adults as well as children, faith must grow after Baptism.  To fulfil the true meaning of the sacrament, children must later be formed in the faith in which they have been Baptized.  The parents are explicitly asked in the ceremony if they understand their commitment to bring the child up in the practice of the faith.
 
Residency outside Sacred Heart Parish
If you live in another Parish, please obtain a Baptism Non Domicile Form, for your Parish Priest to sign.
Time and place of Baptism
As Baptism is entry into the Catholic Church it normally takes place in church, usually on a Sunday afternoon but it can take place during a Sunday Mass.  Only in danger of death may it take place elsewhere, eg a hospital.  Baptisms do not normally take place during Lent.
 
The godparents
Traditionally the child has a godfather and a godmother, but you must have at least one godparent.  Their role is to present the child for Baptism together with the parents, and to help him or her to live a Christian life and to grow in holiness towards God.  This includes bringing the child to Holy Mass on Sundays and Holydays, teaching him/her to pray, and helping him/her to perform good works.
A godparent must
· be sixteen years of age or over
· be a practising Catholic who has been Confirmed
· not be either the father or mother of the child.
 
At the Baptism ceremony
Please arrive on time.  The Rite begins  at the church Entrance.  After the Gospel reading, Homily and Intercessions comes the Anointing before Baptism; this takes place on the child’s breast.  The water in the Font is then Blessed, and the parents and godparents renounce sin and make their profession of faith.  The child is Baptized in the Font, and Anointed (on the head) with the Oil of Chrism.  He/she is then clothed with a White Garment (which you need to bring) and is given a lighted Candle.
 
Non-Catholic parent
This is not a problem as long as one parent is a Catholic.  The non-Christian parent can keep silent during the parents’ parts, but the non-Catholic does need to agree that the child be Baptized and brought up in the Catholic faith.
 
The cost
There is no set fee for a Baptism; it is usual to make a donation of £100-£200. You can give your donation to the priest after the ceremony or use the card reading machine.
 
Baptism Certificate
You will receive a certificate by post.  You can always obtain a copy of the Baptism Register entry (for example when applying for a place at a Catholic school) by contacting the Parish Office.
 
Preparation class
Parents (and godparents if they are willing and able) will be asked to attend a Baptism Preparation class on the first Sunday of the month of the Baptism.  As well as being instructed in the meaning of Baptism you will be able to ask any questions, theological or practical, you may have.