“Go therefore, and make disciples of all nations. Baptise them in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” (Mt.28: 19)
Baptism Policy for St Mark’s Parish with Holy Family Brantham and St Mary Magdalen Parish
In our parishes, we are committed to supporting one another in becoming disciples of Jesus Christ, fully alive to God and to one another. We welcome all people, of all ages and backgrounds, to encounter the living God who comes to us most especially in the sacraments and above all in our Sunday celebration of the Eucharist (Mass). We are a community of parishes committed to renewal, believing that the beautiful gift of faith is too precious to be taken lightly and too important not to be encouraged to grow and flourish.
The Sacrament of Baptism
Baptism is the first sacrament of Christian Initiation. Confirmation and Holy Communion complete initiation into the Catholic Church. Through Baptism, a person is welcomed into the universal communion of the Church, becoming part of God's family.
Celebration of Baptism
The normative way to celebrate Baptism is at Sunday Mass where the child is welcomed into the worshipping community. As it is said in the rite of Baptism, “The Christian community welcomes (the newly baptised) with great joy.” For a just and reasonable cause, baptism may be celebrated apart from Mass. Please note that baptism is not celebrated during the Sundays Masses of Lent.
Understanding Baptism
Baptism is not a rite of passage, nor magic, nor is it something to simply get 'done'. It is a profound sacrament that welcomes your child into the life of the Church and fills him/her with divine life. As a parish we want to work with you to help you get the best for your child.
Preparation for Baptism
Regular attendance at Sunday, or Saturday night, Mass is a normal part of preparation for Baptism. If this is your first child to be baptised or if there is a significant gap since the last baptism, you will be expected to attend a preparation session. These sessions occur on Saturday mornings throughout the year and last approximately 90 minutes. Both parents are encouraged to attend, and babies and siblings are welcome as well. Godparents are also invited to attend if possible. Preparation dates for 2025 are 8th March, 7th June, 20th September and 15th November.
Booking the Baptism
Baptisms are booked when you have met the priest, either Fr Luke or Fr Paul. Normally, they will ask you to introduce yourself to them after a weekend Mass. Baptism bookings are only made in person, not over the phone or by email, unless we have met you first. A provisional date can be put in at the first contact which can be confirmed after attendance at the baptism preparation session.
