Congratulations! The birth of your child is an occasion of great joy for you and your family. Our church community shares this joy as you present your child for baptism. You desire the best for your child and that means beginning to share your faith in a wonderful and unique way. God wants to entrust to you, as parents, the care of your child’s unique gift of faith in this sacrament. It is like the precious mustard seed, which through your careful guidance and love over the years, will grow into the magnificent tree which Jesus calls the Kingdom of God and the promise of eternal life. Through baptism your child will become a child of God in Christ. Baptism is also the first sacrament of initiation into the community of faith and the life and mission of the Church.

Please read the following carefully, download and complete the Baptism Registration Form.

What Should I Do

Please complete as much of the form as possible and return it by email to copenhagenstreet@rcdow.org.uk or directly to the parish office. The parish office is located at 39 Duncan Terrace, London, N1 8AL.  If you live in another parish, you will need to bring a letter of permission from your parish priest.

Preparation

All baptisms must be preceded by preparation. Before any dates can be arranged or confirmed, the diocese asks that you attend baptism preparation sessions.

Dates, times and place for preparation course and baptism

For the baptism date and time, please speak to a priest after Mass or chat with Sr Miriam. You can also email us at copenhagenstreet@rcdow.org.uk. The place of the baptism of your baby is the Blessed Sacrament Church or, if you wish, at St John’s.

The preparation is one evening session which lasts 40 minutes. Both parents are expected to attend and godparents are most welcome too. All preparation courses are at 6pm at The Presbytery, 39 Duncan Terrace, N1 8AL. 

For August, the preparation is Monday 19th.

For September, the preparation is Monday 23rd.

For October, the preparation is Monday 7th October.

November’s preparation is on Monday 4th November.

For December, preparation is Monday 2nd.

Baptismal Names

Your child’s name is unique and careful thought goes into choosing it, but the name should have a Christian sentiment. It goes without saying that the best names to choose are those of the saints. It means that we have a patron (a friend in heaven) praying for us. You can follow the link ‘Saints’ at www.catholic.org for a full list of saints’ names.

Godparents

The role of godparents is very important. They will help you nurture the seed of faith in your child and help you to see that your child is brought up in the living-out of faith. Godparents are very welcome to attend the course. At least one godparent must be a practising Catholic who has been confirmed. Please speak to a priest before inviting others to be godparents.

Church Offering

It is customary to make an offering to the Church on these occasions. As a guide, the amount should be in proportion to other expenses involved in the baptism and is for the support of the church.