In our parish communities — St Mary’s, St John Bosco, and St Edward’s — we believe that Baptism is the joyful beginning of a lifelong journey of faith.
Whether for a newborn child, a young person, or an adult, Baptism is the first and foundational sacrament: the gateway to life in Christ and full membership in the Catholic Church.
Baptism is not simply a family occasion or a tradition.
It is a real moment of grace, in which God acts.
Through Baptism, we are:
- freed from sin
- reborn as children of God
- made members of Christ’s Body, the Church
- called to a lifelong vocation of holiness and mission
Why Baptism Matters
God acts first
Baptism is a sacrament — an outward sign of an invisible grace.
It is not primarily something we do, but something God does in us.
Through Baptism, we are united with Christ in His death and resurrection and sealed with the Holy Spirit.
Baptism brings us into a people
To be baptised is not simply to belong to a building, but to a living Church.
At St Mary’s, St John Bosco, and St Edward’s, Baptism is celebrated as an act of welcome into a praying, worshipping parish family.
Baptism begins a journey
Baptism is the beginning, not the end, of the life of faith.
For this reason, our parish accompanies families and individuals through:
- ongoing parish life
- sacramental preparation
- formation appropriate to each stage of life
You are not expected to walk this journey alone.
Baptism is always a sign of hope
Every Baptism renews the whole Church.
It reminds us of our own baptismal promises and proclaims God’s faithfulness to His people.
How Baptism Works in Our Parish
For infants and young children
Parents are invited to a short preparation session to reflect on the meaning of Baptism and their role in raising their child in the faith.
Baptisms are normally celebrated:
- during Sunday Mass, or
- at another suitable time
This may take place at St Mary’s, St John Bosco, or St Edward’s, depending on family connection and availability.
For older children and adults
Baptism for older children and adults takes place through:
- RCIA, or
- a suitable preparation pathway for school-aged children
This normally includes:
- regular sessions
- participation in parish life
- full initiation into the Church (Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist), often at the Easter Vigil
Godparents and Christian Witnesses
Choosing godparents is an important part of preparation.
Godparents are not honorary titles; they are witnesses of faith who support parents in raising a child as a Catholic.
How many godparents may we have?
A child may have:
- one godparent, or
- two godparents (one godfather and one godmother)
If there is only one godparent, a Christian Witness of the opposite gender may also be chosen.
Who can be a godparent?
A godparent must be a practising Catholic, able to fulfil this role in faith and life.
This means the godparent:
- is baptised, confirmed, and has received First Holy Communion in the Catholic Church
- is at least 16 years old
- lives in a way consistent with the Catholic faith
- participates regularly in Sunday Mass
- receives the sacrament of Reconciliation
- intends to continue living the Catholic faith
- is willing to support the parents in raising the child as a Catholic
Someone who is baptised Catholic but no longer practising the faith is not eligible to serve as a godparent.
What is a Christian Witness?
A Christian Witness:
- is baptised in another Christian community (e.g. Church of England, Methodist, Baptist)
- may stand alongside one Catholic godparent
- gives Christian witness to the baptism
A baptised Catholic cannot serve as a Christian Witness.
Proof of baptism is required.
Preparation for godparents
Godparents are asked to take part in the baptism preparation session, usually alongside the family.
This is not a test, but an opportunity to reflect on the meaning of Baptism and the responsibility being accepted.
Interested in Baptism? Let’s Begin
Whether you are:
- seeking Baptism for your child
- exploring Baptism for yourself
- unsure where to begin
You are very welcome to make contact.
Preparation begins when you are ready.
Where: St Mary’s, St John Bosco, or St Edward’s
Contact: Fr John — frjowens@gmail.com
“You are God’s beloved child.
You belong to Christ.
You are part of His Body.”
That is what Baptism proclaims.
St. Mary's, St. John Bosco and St. Edward's 