To apply for your infant child’s baptism, please complete the baptism registration form below and return it by email. You can also collect an application form from the parish office.  

Parents of children to be baptised are asked to profess their faith and to accept the responsibility of raising their child in the practice of the faith, the Christian way of life.   This presumes an active faith life on the part of the parents and regular participation in Sunday Mass.   Parents new to the parish, or newly returning to the practice of the faith, are, of course, most welcome.    However, at least three months of regular attendance at Sunday Mass in the parish will have to have been completed as evidence of future commitment to the practice of the faith before their child can be baptised.

The baptisms themselves usually occur on one Saturday every month at 12 noon in St John’s allowing for up to two baptisms each time; and at 12 noon on Sundays at the Blessed Sacrament, as and when required.

Before we agree a Baptism date, parents will need to complete the Baptism Preparation Course.  This course is principally required for those parents for whom this is their first application for the baptism of their child.  The course, for a first baptism, is a requirement under the Church’s Canon Law in every Catholic parish.

Our Parish course takes place usually once a month, normally at the beginning of the month in the main church at St John’s. It addresses your role as your parents and why this is so important to your child’s faith, especially in the early years. We also take you through the practicalities of baptism and explain what this means for you and your child. After you have attended the baptism course and provided you meet the 3 months attendance, if applicable, a baptism date will be agreed with the clergy.

For those who live outside the parish (N1) but wish to have their child baptised here, you will need to obtain written permission from your local catholic parish priest before we can arrange a baptism date.

If you wish to have your child baptised, then the first step is for you to complete a Baptism application form and return it to the Parish Office.   Completed forms should be returned to the Parish Office, which is in The Presbytery, 39 Duncan Terrace, which is next door to the St John the Evangelist Church or email it to us at copenhagenstreet@rcdow.org.uk. After receiving your form, we will then confirm your enrolment in the baptism preparation course.

Please read the following carefully, download and complete the Baptism Registration Form: BAPTISM APPLICATION FORM NOV 2025

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 if you would like your child baptised at The Blessed Sacrament Church. You can also email us at copenhagenstreet@rcdow.org.uk.

If you would like your child baptised at St John’s, it would be at 12 noon on one of the dates below. The address of the church is 39 Duncan Terrace, N1 8AL.

Baptism dates at St John’s:

• Saturday 31st January 2026
• Saturday 7th February
• Saturday 25th April
• Saturday 9th May
• Saturday 30^th May
• Saturday 27^th June
• Saturday 26^th September
• Saturday 24^th October
• Saturday 28th November

Whether your child is baptised at St John’s or at The Blessed Sacrament Church, all preparations are at St John’s and involve one evening session of about an hour. The scheduled dates are:

Preparation course dates:

• Tuesday 13th January
• Tuesday 10^th February
• Tuesday 10^th March
• Tuesday 5^th May
• Tuesday 9^th June
• Tuesday 8^th September
• Tuesday 6^th October
• Tuesday 3rd November

The preparation is one evening session only. Both parents are expected to attend and godparents are encouraged to come. All preparation courses are at 6pm in the church of St John the Evangelist, 39 Duncan Terrace, N1 8AL.

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.