Dear Parents,
Congratulations! We join with you in thanking God for the gift of your child. This is indeed a busy and wonderful time in the life of your family.
We, the people of God, the Church look forward to joining you on this journey of preparation. Preparing for the celebration of a sacrament is a time of joy and anticipation in the life of the Church and in the life of the family.
Please do read carefully through Baptismal Preparation Package. You will find here information relating to Baptism which can help you answer questions and discern whether this is the right step for you and your child. If after prayer and discussion, you feel ready to begin the preparation please return the Holy Baptism Application Form to the parish office. You will see included in the package a chart showing the procedure required as you prepare to bring your child’s baptism.
Baptism is the first sacrament of initiation; Confirmation and Eucharist are the other two. Baptism leads the newly baptized person to the table of the Lord. Weekly participation in the Sunday Mass is a valuable sign that a person is disposed to celebrating the Sacrament of Baptism and being open to the wonder and grace of God.
If you have been away from the weekly Sunday Mass, this is a wonderful time to return to the table of the Lord. It is Jesus who desires to nourish and feed us each Sunday with his precious Body and Blood.
We pray that God will bless you and your family as you continue to grow in faith.
With every blessing,
Fr. Raja Sebastian SS.CC.
Parish Priest
ST GABRIEL’S CHURCH, SOUTH HARROW & ST BERNARD’S CHURCH NORTHOLT
HOLY BAPTISM – PROCEDURE
INITIAL INQUIRY: If your family live in parish or attend Mass here you will be given a Holy Baptism inquiry pack – containing the application form. (Do not arrange date of Baptism). If you do not live in parish, but attend Mass here, a letter is required from your own parish giving permission for the baptism to take place at St. Gabriel’s or St. Bernard’s. (Do not arrange date of Baptism)
BOOKING FOR COURSE: Parents book Baptism Preparation Course through the Parish Office. Note – a couple may attend course prior to birth of child (Course held with appointment – Do not arrange date of Baptism). Parents with more than once child who have already attended a course at St Gabriel’s do not need to attend another. If a course was attended elsewhere parents still need to attend a course at St. Gabriel’s.
CHECKING APPLICATION: Once the course has been attended Clergy contact parents to check application, check Godparents and arrange date and time for celebration of Holy Baptism
CELEBRATION OF HOLY BAPTISM: In our parish we normally celebrate Holy Baptism after 11am mass at St Bernard’s Church and after 12noon mass at St Gabriel’s Church.
BAPTISM CERTIFICATE: Following the celebration of Holy Baptism, the application form is returned to office by clergy who produce the Baptism certificate and enter into the Parish baptismal register. (The Baptism Certificate can be collected in the parish office)
THE BAPTISM OF YOUR CHILD
Holy Baptism makes us Catholic Christians, which is why it is occasionally called “Christening.” It is the first of seven sacraments and absolutely essential – we cannot become Catholics without it. When someone is baptised they become members of Christ’s body – the Church. Baptism marks a new beginning in life for us.
Why bother being baptised?
Those who care for us, want us to have the very best start in life. From the moment we are born we are dependent upon others to feed us, clothe us, care for us and love us. Without this care we would very quickly perish. We also need our spiritual wellbeing looked after until we are able to look after ourselves which is why Holy Baptism is so important. When you smile at your baby, it brings him or her to life, your baby starts to chuckle. God’s smile comes in baptism. It is a sign that we are precious and valued.
What is your role?
A child to be baptised is too young to understand what is happening at their baptism, so as your child grows, he or she needs your support. This is done through: Your prayers, asking God to help you and your child. Your example, showing your child how to live in love and compassion as a Catholic. Your teaching, talking to your child about Jesus and the Catholic way of life.
What about God parents?
How do Godparents help?
Godparents share responsibility in a number of ways. First and foremost by their own way of living, going to Mass weekly, praying with your child and perhaps teaching your child prayers such as the ‘Our Father’ and the ‘Hail Mary’.
The big day
How much does it cost?
Nothing. There is no charge for the holy sacrament of baptism. It is customary, however for an offering to be made. This is at the total discretion of the family and may be equivalent, for example, to the cost of your family Sunday lunch or an article of clothing for your baby – but this purely a voluntary contribution of thanksgiving and is used for the mission of the Church.
The signs and symbols of baptism
During the rite of holy baptism many signs and symbols are used to point to the presence of God and his love for us.
The Cross
This is for washing and refreshing, a sign that our sins are washed away. Water is also necessary for life and so is a sign that we are ‘born again’ into the life of the risen Lord.
Holy Oil
This garment (usually a shawl) is a relic of the clothes worn by Christians after Baptism in the first centuries. It is a sign of purity and the putting on of a new way of life.
The lighted candle
By your efforts your child will grow up in the love of God, but also help you to grow. As you teach your child to pray, you yourselves will deepen your prayer life. As you teach your child to appreciate the Mass your own faith will be enriched.
Some frequently asked questions about Holy Baptism
How soon should I have my child baptised?
Children should be baptised within the first weeks after birth. You are very welcome to attend a baptism preparation course before your child is born. It is wrong to put off the baptism simply in order to have a more elaborate celebration party afterwards. It is better for your baby to receive the sacrament of holy baptism sooner and make the celebrations more simple. You could then always have a big party for the child’s first birthday if you wish.
I am not married. Can my child be baptised?
Yes. A child may be baptised so long as there is a well-founded hope that she/he will be brought up in the practice of the Catholic faith. If you have any questions about marriage in the Catholic Church, please ask the priest because there are often misunderstandings in this area.
I do not live in the parish. Can I have my child baptised at St Gabriel’s church or St Bernard’s Church?
Yes. If you regularly attend Mass here. If you are not coming to Mass, you need to decide which will be the Catholic Church you are going to start attending. It will usually be more appropriate (and more convenient) for you to start going to Mass at your local parish and to arrange the baptism there.
How many Godparents (or Sponsors) should we have?
The Church’s Canon Law states that there should be one or two Godparents (c.873). If there are two, they should be a God father and a God mother.
Who can be Godparents?
Godparents must be Catholics over 16 years of age who has been confirmed and has already received the most holy sacrament of the Eucharist and who leads a life of faith in keeping with the function to be taken on and who themselves regularly come to Mass.
What about non-Catholics?
Alongside the Catholic Godparent(s), a non-Catholic who is baptised Christian may stand as a Christian witness. The important thing to remember is that Godparents must be able to affirm the Creed. In other words, they state solemnly that they believe in God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, they believe that Jesus rose from the dead and they believe in the Catholic Church.
Can a non-baptised person (i.e. a Jewish or Muslim, or Hindu person) be a Godparent?
No. because the duty of a Godparent is to assist the child’s parents in passing ont eh Catholic faith. At the celebration of this sacrament, parents and Godparents are asked to profess publicly their faith in God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. If the person wishes to convert to Christianity in the Catholic Church, then their own reception of holy baptism, confirmation, and first holy communion must take place prior to the child’s baptism.
What if the Godparent cannot be present for the Baptism?
If the Godparent cannot be present in person, he or she may appoint another Catholic to serve as a proxy. Ordinarily the appointment of the proxy should be made by the Godparent in writing or before two witnesses, in order that there be certainty as to who is the responsible person.
Must we give our child the name of a saint to be baptised?
A saint’s name is not a requirement, but is highly commended. A baptismal name that is offensive to Christians is not permitted. Offensive names include Lucifer, Beelzebub, Hitler, etc. Names from the Old Testament perfectly acceptable. Please think carefully about the names you give to your child so that in some way they reflect the Catholic faith. You can always add names in addition to those you have formally registered on the birth certificate.
We have adopted a child. What steps are needed regarding holy baptism?
When you contact your local parish please be sure to inform the clergy that your child is adopted, this will enable some minor paperwork to be completed.
Can I change the names of one or both Godparents after the baptism?
No, examples of changes permitted include:
- An addition or change to reflect the “new” legal father or mother.
- Change of the last name
- Correct an error in the original baptismal entry.
Changes do not include a change in the sponsors (Godparents). The names of Godparents are not erased or changed.
Neither I nor my spouse is Catholic. Can our child(ren) be baptised Catholics?
Only if one of the parents decides to become a Catholic themselves. This is a process which involves prayer, instruction and sharing in the life of the Catholic Community over several months at least. The most appropriate conclusion to this process is for the family to be baptised together. Please ask the priest for further details.
Are there places in the Catholic School?
Catholic schools are often over-subscribed. Baptism alone will not be any guarantee of a place. The first priority is always given to those who attend Mass regularly as committed practising Catholics.
I had a child baptised but I never got a baptism certificate. How can I get one?
Every parish keeps a Holy Baptism Register in its permanent archive. A certificate can always be provided for you by the parish where your child was baptised. The easiest way to get one is to send a note to the Parish priest. Give the child’s full name, date of birth and date of baptism and enclose a stamped addressed envelope.
Please note:
- If the name has changed, be sure to give both the present name and the name at the time of baptism
- If you do not know the date of baptism, say roughly when it was, the year and if possible, the month.
- If the child was adopted, you will be referred to the Adopted Children’s Register which is held by the Archdiocese. But the Parish Priest may give a brief note to affirm that the child was baptised, if this is necessary for an application to a Catholic school.