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 it’s a newborn child, a young person, or an adult, Baptism is the first and most foundational sacrament, the gateway to life with Christ and full membership in the Catholic Church.
Baptism is not just a family occasion or tradition—it is a powerful moment of grace. Through it, 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 in Our Parish Family
- It’s God’s gift, not just a tradition
Baptism is a sacrament—an outward sign of an invisible grace. It’s not simply something we do to “get it done,” but something God does in us. In Baptism, we are sealed with the Holy Spirit and drawn into Christ’s saving death and resurrection. - It brings us into a people, not just a building
To be baptised is to become part of something bigger than ourselves: the Church. At St. Mary’s, St. John Bosco, and St. Edward’s, we celebrate Baptism as an act of welcome into a living, praying, serving parish family. - It starts a journey, not ends a task
Baptism is the beginning—not the end—of a faith journey. That’s why our parish supports families and individuals through ongoing formation: Whole Community Catechesis, First Holy Communion, Confirmation, RCIA, and adult faith formation. You’re not alone. - It’s always a sign of hope
Every time we celebrate a Baptism, the Church grows. The grace of God renews His people, and the whole parish is reminded of its own baptismal promises. It is a moment of hope—for the person being baptised, for the family, and for all of us.
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 how to raise their child in the faith. Baptisms are normally celebrated during Sunday Mass or another suitable time—at St. Mary’s, St. John Bosco, or St. Edward’s, depending on family connection and scheduling. - For older children and adults
Baptism is celebrated through the RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) or a special pathway for school-aged children. This includes regular sessions, participation in parish life, and full initiation (including Confirmation and Eucharist), often at the Easter Vigil.
Interested in Baptism? Let’s Begin the Journey
We would love to walk with you. Whether you’re a parent seeking Baptism for your child, or someone exploring the Catholic faith yourself, there’s a place for you here.
- When: Preparation begins when you’re ready—contact us to get started
- Where: At any of our churches—St. Mary’s, St. John Bosco, or St. Edward’s
- Contact: Fr. John at frowens@pm.me
“You are God’s beloved child. You belong to Christ. You are part of His Body.”
— This is what Baptism proclaims.
What are my options for godparents for my child?
- Each family has a few options when it comes to godparents and Christian Witnesses:
- A child may be baptised with:
- One godparent of the same gender
- One godparent and a Christian Witness of the opposite gender of the godparent
- A godfather and a godmother and no Christian Witness
Who can be a godparent?
· Godparents are to be fully initiated Catholic Christians who meet the minimum standards listed in the Canon Law of the Catholic Church, which means:
· Baptised, Received Confirmation and First Communion in the Catholic Church
· Are at least 16 years or older
· If married, have received the sacrament of Matrimony in the Catholic Church (or a Convalidation in the Catholic Church)
· If single, are not living with someone outside of marriage
· Participate regularly in Sunday and Holy-Day Masses and receives Communion as a practicing Catholic.
· Celebrate the sacrament of Reconciliation at least once a year.
· Give witness to his/her faith in Jesus Christ in word and deed and strive to live out this commitment to the Gospel message.
· Intend to continue the practice of his/her Catholic Faith.
· Promise to support parents of the child in raising this child in the Catholic faith.
· General note: Someone who is baptised Catholic but is no longer practicing the Catholic faith is not eligible to be a godparent.
· Someone who is not Confirmed is also not eligible to be a godparent until they have been Confirmed.
Are there any forms or classes needed for godparents?
· Each godparent needs to complete a baptism class, this takes place usually with the family.
What is a Christian Witness?
· When a family chooses to have only one godparent, then they can have the option of choosing to have a Christian Witness that is of the opposite gender of the godparent
· For example, if a child were to have a Catholic Godfather, then the parents could choose to have a female Christian Witness.
· A Christian Witness is someone baptised in another Christian denomination (Church of England, Baptist, Methodist, etc.) and serves as a Christian Witness of the baptism.
Are there any forms or classes needed for a Christian Witness?
· No classes are needed, but a proof of baptism is needed for the Christian Witness. This is commonly a copy of his/her baptismal certificate or a letter of baptism from their church.
Can a baptised Catholic be a Christian Witness?
· A baptised Catholic would be eligible to be a Godparent if they meet all the minimum requirements to be a godparent. A baptised Catholic would not be eligible to be a Christian Witness.
St. Mary's, St. John Bosco and St. Edward's 