In the teaching of the Catholic Church, Baptism is the Sacrament which formally defines entry into and membership of the Church.  The baptised are opened up to the promise of the eternal life of the Trinity and to human life as disciples of Jesus Christ.

With the decision to baptise your child it is assumed that passing on the faith and being a part of the Catholic community is very important to you. As such it is assumed you are practicing your faith by attending Mass regularly.

Therefore the first step in arranging a time for Baptism is to speak to Fr Dean at one of the weekend Masses. He will then discuss with you what preparation is required and possible dates for the celebration of the Sacrament.

Baptism is usually celebrated in the residential parish of the infant or child. Parents from outside the parish who request baptism for their child are asked to contact their proper Parish Priest for a note of permission.

And remember the importance of having the Baptism as soon as possible, as it states in Canon Law …
“Parents are obliged to take care that infants are baptised in the first few weeks; as soon as possible after the birth or even before, they are to go to the pastor to request the sacrament for their child and to be prepared properly for it.” Canon 867.1

• Since the request for Baptism is in the Catholic Church at least one parent and one godparent has to be a baptised and confirmed Catholic.
  
   
  SPONSORS/GODPARENTS = Canon Law states: 
  Can. 872 Insofar as possible, a person to be baptized is to be given a sponsor who assists an adult in Christian initiation or together with the parents presents an infant for baptism. A sponsor also helps the baptized person to lead a Christian life in keeping with baptism and to fulfill faithfully the obligations inherent in it.
  Can. 873 There is to be only one male sponsor or one female sponsor or one of each.
  BAPTISM (Cann. 849 - 878) https://www.vatican.va/archive/cod-iuris-canonici/eng/documents/cic_lib4-cann834-878_en.html.

• Baptisms are celebrated at 12:45pm on the 1st Sunday of the month at Our Lady of Lourdes' and at St Peter's on the 2nd and 3rd Sunday of the month.

• We welcome you to come to one of the Sunday Masses at least one week before the date of Baptism.  Since your child will belong to the community of faith, it is important that the parish should welcome and pray for your child.  

• Our Pastoral Associate, Delisa Gonsalves, will contact you to arrange and attend a Baptism Preparation Class and reflection.

• A copy of your child's Birth Certificate is also required.

• A copy of the Catholic Parent(s)' and Catholic Godparent(s)' Baptism Certificate is also required.

• An offering for the support of the Celebrant is customary.

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