Baptisms

If you would like to arrange for your child to be baptised, please contact Father David. He will usually need to meet with you at least once, to get to know you, talk about baptism, and make sure you are familiar with the rite. An important point to bear in mind is that you will need at least one Catholic godparent (ideally two) for the baptism.

Your baby's baptism is a time for celebration and joy. And, naturally, you want the best for your baby. We want to help you plan and prepare for the baptism in the best possible way. Read through the following information and then contact Fr David who will guide you through the registration process here at St Felix. If you are an adult who has not been baptised, and are interested in learning more about the Catholic faith, please get in touch with Fr David.

Planning your baby's baptism

There seems to be so much to do. It's likely that at the moment you are concerned about the birth of your baby. Either it's an event you are waiting for; or you are still recovering from it. Before the baby arrives there is so much to think about: where will the baby sleep, baby's clothes, will the baby be completely healthy, perhaps even the prospect of twins? Then, all of a sudden, there is chaos. The baby finally arrives and there is no time to think. There is so much to get done.

Some people think of baptism simply as something else to 'get done'. They speak of baptism as having the baby 'done'. That's very sad. For baptism is a birth into the Christian community and is in every way as solemn and important as birth itself. It's an event that needs to be prepared for.

Your faith is important; your most important preparation is to look at your own faith. Your baby will be born with your features and will pick up your mannerisms. As he or she gets older your child will grow up, too, with your faith. That is why, when you approach the church about having your child baptised you will be encouraged to think through your own faith and the part it plays in your life. The very fact that you have asked to have your baby baptised shows that you recognise the importance of God in your life.

From the earliest days children too young to answer for themselves have been baptised, usually as they accompanied their parents into the Church. For the church recognises the desire of Christian parents to share the life of Christ with their children. Jesus Christ, like you, wants the best for your child.

Signs and symbols of baptism

Sign of the Cross A sign on something shows its origins or ownership. The sign of the cross is the mark of Christians for Jesus Christ died on the cross. Parents and godparents trace it on the child's forehead to show that the baby belongs to Christ, who now offers his help and grace to face and overcome the sufferings of life.

Water This is for cleansing and is a sign that our sins are washed away. Baptism cleanses us of original sin with which we are all born and, in the baptism of adults, of every sin committed prior to baptism. Water is also necessary for life and so is a sign, too, that the life of the risen Christ is ours.

Oils Oil of Baptism is olive oil rubbed on the breast of the baby, just as athletes used to rub themselves with oil to strengthen and prepare for the fight ahead. Oil of Chrism is a mixture of olive oil and balsam (sweet-smelling ointment) and is rubbed on the crown of the head. It is a sign of sealing with the gifts of the Holy Spirit. The profession of faith, which you make on behalf of your child at baptism, will later be confirmed personally by your child in the sacrament of confirmation when Oil of Chrism will be used again. The oils are blessed by the Bishop around the time of Maundy (or Holy) Thursday.

White garment This garment (usually a shawl) is a relic of the new clothes worn by Christians after baptism in the first centuries. It is a sign of innocence and the new life of resurrection.

Candle These symbolise Christ the Light of the World. The baptismal candle is lit from the paschal candle, which stands near the altar at Easter as a sign of the risen Christ. The baptismal candle reminds us that the light of Christ has entered the child's life; and its flame symbolises the flame of faith, which will burn through the life of your child.