Baptism
Baptism for Infants
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 is made up of two parts. The first part will address your role as your parents and why this is so important to your child’s faith, especially in the early years. The second part will involve one the priests taking you through the practicalities of baptism and explaining what this means for you and your child. After both sessions have been completed and provided you meet the 3 months attendance if applicable, a baptism date will be agreed with the clergy.
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, next door to the church or email it to us at islington@rcdow.org.uk. After receiving your form, we will then confirm your enrolment in the baptism preparation course.
For baptism for children aged 4 and older, they will need to be catechised (taught the faith) in their own right before they can be baptised. Once we receive your application, we will contact you to arrange a meeting with one of the priests to see how this can be facilitated.
Please keep up to date by reading the newsletter and or contacting the Catechetical Coordinator
1. We encourage children to receive some sort of catechesis to help them prepare to receive this sacrament. If classes are available at the time of application, the catechists will assign them to one.
2. Parents must also attend a baptismal preparation course (1 hour) which is usually run on a Monday 6:00pm at the Presbytery – red door to the left of the church.
3. Before a date for baptism can be agreed, one parent must produce their own baptismal certificate. If neither parent has a baptismal certificate, one of you will need to apply to the parish of your baptism for a new copy.
We are always on the lookout for enthusiastic people to train as catechists to help deliver our youth based sacramental programmes. If you would be interested in joining our team please contact the parish office.
The preparation is one evening session which lasts around an hour. Both parents are expected to attend and godparents are encouraged to come. All preparation courses are at 6pm at The Presbytery, 39 Duncan Terrace, N1 8AL.
The baptisms are all at St John the Evangelist Church unless otherwise stated. The address of the church is 39 Duncan Terrace, N1 8AL. Times listed below.
| Month | Preparation | Baptism |
| November | 4th (parents to attend both) | Saturday 29th, 12 noon |
| December | none | none |
| January | 13th (parents to attend both) | Saturday 31st, 12 noon |
| February | 3rd (parents to attend both) | Saturday 7th, 12 noon |
Baptism Certificate Request Form
If you were baptised at this church, St John the Evangelist Church in Islington, and you have been asked to supply a copy of your baptism certificate, please complete this form. If you can provide us with your baptism date, we can process your request more quickly.