Holy Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit, and the door which gives access to the other sacraments – CCC 1213
Sacrament of Initiation: Baptism
For Catholics, the Sacrament of Baptism is the first step in a lifelong journey of commitment and discipleship. Baptism is the first sacrament of Christian initiation. Through Baptism we are freed from sin, we become adopted sons and daughters of God and are embraced into the family of the Church.
Baptism transforms us. It marks our soul for life and eternity. In baptism, the Holy Spirit moves us to answer Christ’s call to holiness. In baptism, we are asked to walk by the light of Christ and to trust in his wisdom. We are invited to submit our hearts to Christ with ever deeper love.
Although we Catholics believe that every human being is made in the image and likeness of God, it is through baptism we become sons and daughters of God and are brought into that most mysterious communion with Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Baptism is a Sacrament of faith, and the Church asks for a serious and loving commitment by the parents and godparents of a child to live the life of the Sacraments. The baptism ceremony for adults and teens is similar to baptism of children except that you make the baptismal promises yourself. Instead of godparents, adults have sponsors whose role is to encourage you in the Catholic Faith.
Baptism transforms us. It marks our soul for life and eternity. In baptism, the Holy Spirit moves us to answer Christ’s call to holiness. In baptism, we are asked to walk by the light of Christ and to trust in his wisdom. We are invited to submit our hearts to Christ with ever deeper love.
Although we Catholics believe that every human being is made in the image and likeness of God, it is through baptism we become sons and daughters of God and are brought into that most mysterious communion with Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Baptism is a Sacrament of faith, and the Church asks for a serious and loving commitment by the parents and godparents of a child to live the life of the Sacraments. The baptism ceremony for adults and teens is similar to baptism of children except that you make the baptismal promises yourself. Instead of godparents, adults have sponsors whose role is to encourage you in the Catholic Faith.
The Rite of Baptism
Through Baptism we are freed from sin and reborn as sons and daughters of God; we become members of Christ, are incorporated into the Church and made sharers in her mission.
The Rite of Baptism involves immersing the candidate in water or pouring it over his/her head, while invoking the Name of the Holy Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (CCC 1278).
If you are not Catholic but have received Baptism as described above, we consider your baptism valid. So, you will not be baptised again if you choose to join the Catholic Church. Rather, you will be initiated into full communion with us through the Sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist.
Parents, do you wish to have your child Baptised?
As you wish to have your child baptised, we would like you to have some basic information regarding this important first step on your child’s spiritual journey. It is our hope that you find this information helpful. To arrange the Baptism of your child, it is necessary to ensure that all the requirements are in place and the necessary documents are submitted to the parish office.
Requirements for Baptism.
For Parents:
For Godparents:
The role of the godparent is to help the baptised to lead a Christian life in harmony with baptism, and to fulfil faithfully the obligations connected with it.
- At least one parent, or the person who lawfully holds their place, must be a baptised and practising Catholic. We now ask for a copy of a parent's baptism certificate.
- The Catholic parent must be a registered member of the Catholic Parish of Guildford for at least three months and attend Mass regularly.
- If the parents are from another parish, they must provide a Letter of Permission from their parish priest.
- Parent(s) to attend Baptism preparation sessions at the parish or provide a letter of attendance of Baptism preparation from another parish.
- Provide evidence of their Baptism prior to joining the Baptism course.
For Godparents:
The role of the godparent is to help the baptised to lead a Christian life in harmony with baptism, and to fulfil faithfully the obligations connected with it.
- It is essential to have either one godparent, or two (one male and one female), who is a practicing confirmed and baptised Catholic over the age of 16.
- A non-Catholic may act as a Christian witness to the Baptism in company with a Catholic sponsor.
- Must not be the father or mother of the one to be baptised.
To Apply for Baptism Preparation for your Child.
- Step 1 - register on the parish database
What if my household is already registered on the database?
If you are already registered on the parish database then please email baptism@cpg.church and let us know which child you are seeking to baptise. |
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- Step 2 - You will be contacted to provide more information and a copy of your own baptism certificate.
At least one parent, or the person who lawfully holds their place, must be a baptised and practising Catholic. We now ask for a copy of a parent's baptism certificate.
- Step 3 - you will be invited to meet a priest as arranged by appointment.
Please note that these only take place over several week blocks twice a year.
- Step 4 - Upon the priest's request, you may be invited to attend a baptism course.
The programme looks at the importance of Sacraments in the Church; their relationship to each other and the impact of Baptism on the lives of the child and parents. Finally there is an overview of the ceremony. In Guildford the Baptism Preparation Course covers the churches of St. Joseph, St. Mary, St Edward and St. Pius X.
PLEASE NOTE OUR NEXT BAPTISM COURSE IS NOT UNTIL JUNE 2024.
Where does the course take place?
St. Joseph’s Church hall, GU1 4AZ
When does it take place?
We start with an introduction Zoom meeting on Wednesday evening 8-9 pm. We invite any Godparents that have been chosen to join us for this online meeting.
After the introductory session, we'll send access to a series of short videos online that need to be watched at home and a journal to filled in before our next session.
We then meet in person on the next Wednesday evening in St Joseph's Catholic Church Hall (GU1 4AZ), 7.30-9 pm. At this session, we review what has been studied at home and go through the practicalities of the Baptism itself.
Further Information?
In the meantime, please register on the database following the instructions carefully below.
PLEASE NOTE OUR NEXT BAPTISM COURSE IS NOT UNTIL JUNE 2024.
Where does the course take place?
St. Joseph’s Church hall, GU1 4AZ
When does it take place?
We start with an introduction Zoom meeting on Wednesday evening 8-9 pm. We invite any Godparents that have been chosen to join us for this online meeting.
After the introductory session, we'll send access to a series of short videos online that need to be watched at home and a journal to filled in before our next session.
We then meet in person on the next Wednesday evening in St Joseph's Catholic Church Hall (GU1 4AZ), 7.30-9 pm. At this session, we review what has been studied at home and go through the practicalities of the Baptism itself.
Further Information?
In the meantime, please register on the database following the instructions carefully below.
- Step 5 - After completing a baptism course, you will be invited to sign up to a date to have your child baptised.
Please note all baptisms take place at St Joseph's Church.
We'd love to see you at Mass
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If visiting our website is a first step back towards the Church we are very pleased to welcome you! Take as much time as you want to see what we are like. Join us for Mass and discover what it's like and to see how our parish might serve your needs. Although the core of the Mass (the Eucharist) never changes and is at the heart of our faith, often the way we come to that sacred place is important.
Most masses use large projector screens that display much of the liturgy or responses during the mass, so you need not worry about knowing the words and these will help you if you are uncertain when it is appropriate to stand, kneel, sit, etc. You might be surprised by just how familiar and comfortable it feels to be in church, but whether it feels good or not, taking the opportunity to chat with our clergy team may be just the thing you need to do. Their advice and help could be all you need to find a path through the tangles of past emotions and present needs to help you and your family find your place here in the Catholic Parish of Guildford. |
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