The sacrament in which, by pouring water upon a person, or immersing in water, and using the words “I baptise you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit”, the one baptised is cleansed of Original Sin and (in the case of one who has reached the age of reason) of actual sins, is incorporated into Christ and made a member of His Body the Church; he/she is infused with the sanctifying grace and receives the gifts of the Holy Spirit and the theological virtues of faith, hope and charity.
Baptism and Church History
The word ‘baptism’ comes from the Greek word ‘baptizein’ meaning to dip or immerse.
• In the time of Jesus total immersion was carried out by some Jewish groups as a sign of ritual cleansing. One of these groups was the Essenes, of whom John the Baptist was thought to be a member.
• The last thing Jesus said to his apostles was to “go . . . And make disciples of all the nations baptising them IN THE NAME OF THE FATHER AND OF THE SON AND OF THE HOLY SPIRIT” Mt. 18:19
• It was adults who had expressed their faith in “Jesus as the Christ” who were baptised although there were some accounts of entire households such as the gaoler at Philippi Acts 16:25-33 and the entire household of Lydia. Acts 16:11-15
• Baptism was a new beginning and baptism brought about a real change in people’s lives. As it grew, the Christian Church became a victim of persecution and hostility. A simple profession of faith in Jesus Christ no longer sufficed for those who wanted to become members of a Christian community – which was now keen to test the seriousness of those who were interested.
• First of all, people had to find a sponsor from the community who would present them for baptism after a period of preparation that lasted two to three years. In that time, the sponsor could ascertain whether the candidate was determined to change their way of life – hence their formation was more ethical than doctrinal.
• The third century document, Apostolic Tradition of Hippolytus, talks of this three-year period of preparation – but says it is not the time that is judged but the conduct. This time became known as the catechumenate and those wishing to join the Christian community were known as catechumens – a Greek word meaning “instruction”. Thus, in the first 200 years of Christianity, things had changed. It was no longer baptism immediately after conversion. It took three years of preparation by members of the community. Baptism had also become an annual celebration – linked to Easter – thus strengthening the theological connection with the idea of death and resurrection to new life through the sacrament.
• By the sixth century, the baptism of infants whose parents were Christians had become the norm. There was a shift, too, in the sacramental emphasis with baptism seen as the washing away of original sin and the promise of eternal life. The emphasis had moved away from the beginning of a new life in Christ. At the time, infant mortality was high, and bishops began to encourage parents not to wait for the Easter Vigil but to have their infants baptised very soon after birth to save them from dying still stained with original sin.
• The Second Vatican Council had an important effect on how the sacrament of baptism is viewed returning to St. Paul’s image of dying and rising with Christ through baptism – emphasising that,
in baptism, we are implanted in the paschal mystery of Christ; we die with him, are buried with him, and we rise with him.
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Baptism of Infants
Before your Child is baptised Diocesan guidelines advise that parents should attend a minimum of one or two pre-baptism sessions as part of a baptism preparation course. These are usually held at Our Lady and St Michael’s Catholic Church. Details about the next Baptism Preparation Course are advertised in our ‘Events’.
Baptism of Older Children
a) Children presented for baptism or seeking baptism between the ages of 7 and 14 are regarded as children of catechetical age.
They should be prepared for the sacrament following the Rite of the Christian Initiation of Children, part of the RCIA or an equivalent catechetical programme adequate for their age.
b) Children under the age of seven presented for baptism by their parents should be baptised following the usual preparation appropriate for infants – see Infant Baptism above.
Baptism of Adults
The norm for adults seeking baptism is to follow the Rite of the Christian Initiation of Adults (the preparation and reception of Baptism, Holy Communion and Confirmation) in their local parish and to be baptised at the Easter Vigil when it is discerned they are ready, following the scrutinise of the RCIA. For further details speak to the Parish Priest.
Parents and Godparents
Parents have a central role in the rite of baptism. They present their children for baptism; they solemnly accept the responsibility of training their children in the practice of the Catholic faith. They and the godparents renew their own faith. To be Baptised as an infant or an adult you need a godparent. The duty of the godparent is very important. They are to assist the parents in their duty of bringing their children in the practice of the Catholic faith. They must be Confirmed practicing Catholics and over 16 years. Parents cannot be a godparent of their own child. You must have at least one Catholic as godparent for your child. Godparents who are not parishioners at Our Lady and St Michael (and known to parish clergy) must supply a confirmation of Catholic practice – this is usually an email from their own parish priest (from the priest’s official diocesan/parish email account) confirming the Godparent’s full name, date of birth and their status as a practicing Catholic, ‘hard’ copies are allowed, but must contain the above information and bear the parish seal/stamp and signature of the parish priest (not p.p. by a secretary).
Baptism Preparation Course
Parents of children to be baptised are expected to attend a Baptism preparation course. Our one or two part courses are run by Rev Paul Quinn. The sessions take place at Our Lady and St Michael’s Catholic Church. The course is very relaxed, Non-Catholics are very welcome and Godparents are strongly encouraged to also attend – there are no exams or tests! It is also a perfect opportunity to meet other Parents in the Parish.
Places are for those whose children are being baptised in the parish and places for attendees must be pre- booked via our ‘Events’ tab or the Parish Office 01923 673239. For next baptism course for parents wishing to have their child baptised please visit our ‘Events’ tab and book a place. N.B. Places at each course are limited to six (6) families only and booking should be made under one family member. Each session takes approximately 2 hours and while the course is aimed at adults, you are welcome to bring your children along.
Baptism Registration Form
Please complete electronic baptism registration form HERE or collect a hard copy while attending a preparation course and complete it carefully in BLOCK CAPITALS. Please return completed hard copy of the form to either the Parish office or Parish Priest. The information submitted will be used to enter your child’s details in the Church Baptismal register which is a permanent record of baptism, and cannot be changed in the future, please ensure that all information, especially child’s name and date of birth matches that on their legal birth certificate exactly! A Baptism certificate with the details from the register will be available to collect approximately 1 week after the ceremony onward. After this to comply with GDPR requirements the form will be securely shredded/permanently deleted
Brief summary of basic requirements
- Each child who is to be Baptised, must have at least one Practicing Catholic parent (who might be asked to prove it if they are not an active practicing members of our parish). n.b. this does not apply to adults to be Baptised.
- Each person (regardless of their age) who is to be Baptised, must have at least one Confirmed practicing Catholic Godparent (please see detailed guidance above). If the godparent is not a practicing member of our parish and known to our clergy, she or he must produce a letter confirming their suitability from their own parish priest. (this will be required prior to booking a date for the Baptism)
- If you do not live in/practice in our Parish, but wish to have your child Baptised here you must have a letter of permission from your own Parish Priest. (This will be required prior to booking a date for the Baptism)
- If you live in our Parish, but wish to have your child Baptised elsewhere, the same conditions apply as above and you will require a letter of permission from our Parish Priest.
- Catholic parents of children under 14 years old are required to attend a Baptism Preparation Course no more than 2 years prior to the Baptism of their child. (This will be required prior to booking a date for the Baptism)
- There is no set fee, but it is customary to make a donation to the church for having your child baptised.