Congratulations on the birth of your child.��

The parish community here in Bansha Church is delighted you want to have your baby baptised into the family of the Church. We share in your joy. Having your baby baptised, is a way of publicly thanking God for the gift of your child. You are also making a commitment to bring your child up in the Christian faith. We will help you to carry out that decision by giving you our wholehearted support.�

�What is the Sacrament of Baptism?�

The Church believes that Baptism is the first important step on the journey of faith.��

When your baby was born s/he was welcomed into your family. Baptism is the ceremony that welcomes your baby into the wider family of the Church. In Baptism we enter into a special relationship with the person of Jesus who is our guide for how to live a good and meaningful life.�

�Listed here are some of the questions parents ask about Baptism:�

�What’s the first step?�

Your first step is to call in to the parish office and fill out the Baptismal application form. You will need to bring a copy of your child’s birth certificate�& one of the baby’s parent’s Baptism cert�with you.��

The parish office opening hours: in Bansha church(00 000 000 000) – 10am to 12.30pmweekdays.��

�Preparatory meeting�

All parents requesting Baptism for their child are invited and encouraged to attend a preparatory meeting before the Baptism.��

These meetings will cover three points:�

What the sacrament of Baptism is?�

What will happen on the day of your child’s Baptism?�

Practical information (Godparents, forms, bringing up your child in the faith, candles etc).�

�What are the benefits of the meeting?�

These meetings give parents the opportunity to be better connected to the parish and ensure they have clear information about Baptism. Parishioners will also have an opportunity to support and appreciate parents who are making this important commitment to bring up their child in the Catholic faith.�

When are the meetings held?�

At the moment, these meetings will be taking place on the Zoom platform. At these meetings, the ceremony of Baptism is explained and discussed, and you will be able to ask any questions that you may have. However, if you are unable to access zoom, or if you would be more comfortable, members of the Baptism team can call to your home.�

�Who can be a Godparent?�

Any person over 16 years who has been confirmed in the Catholic church can be a Godparent to your child. A child may have one or two Godparents. If parents decide on two then one must be female and the other male.��

�When can we have our baby baptised?�

You will be presented with possible options of dates as soon as you have made the booking.��

�How much notice is required?�

Please book for the Baptism as soon as you can, as we often have long waiting lists due to the large numbers seeking Baptism and that numbers are also restricted at each Ceremony.�

�Are there any forms to fill in?�

Baptism registration form is available in both Parish Offices.�

Once the completed form & required certs have been returned to the parish office, a date for a preparation meeting and Baptism will be arranged in consultation with the parents.��

�What is the purpose of the Parish Baptism Team?�

Traditionally when parents brought a child for a Baptism, the only contact they had with the parish was the priest. Now we know it is important the parents also get a sense of the wider parish – by meeting fellow parishioners – and that they have an opportunity to learn a little about the faith journey that they are committing to go on as a family.�

�Can we have our baby baptised privately?�

We regret to say this is no longer a possibility.��

�Registration.��

The parish records the Baptism of your child in the Baptismal Register of the parish. The record includes the full names of the child, the parents and godparents, the child’s date of birth, the date of the Baptism and the name of the officiating priest or a deacon.�

A certificate of Baptism can be issued by the Parish as and when required.�

We pray�God’s Blessing upon you�for the upbringing�of�your child in the�Faith and the�Family of Jesus.��

�Joyfully,��

Baptism Team�

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