Baptism

Baptism is a precious gift given by God through the Church. As parents you have the privilege of presenting your child to receive this gift, a gift that will last a lifetime and beyond. Baptism is the gift of new life, the eternal life of our Risen Lord, Jesus Christ. This gift is a sacrament, an encounter with Christ himself, it is the moment he comes to us through the power of the Holy Spirit and acts within us. In this encounter we are transformed and come to share the life and mission of Christ. This equally true for adults who understand the meaning of the sacrament and chose if for themselves as it is for the youngest of children at the their baptism.

Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations,
baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son
and of the Holy Spirit,
teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.
(Matthew 28:19-20).

WHEN & WHERE

If you live in St Teresa’s Parish or regularly attend Mass at St Teresa’s Church, Ashford or St Ambrose, Wye, you may have your child baptised in this parish. If you live in another parish, you should approach the Parish Priest of that parish and ask for his permission (the celebration of the Sacrament of Initiation should take place in your present parish).

Normal times for baptisms outside of the Sunday Masses:
SATURDAYS at 12.00pm
Other days/times are also possible in consultation with the Parish Priest.
We will do our best to comply with your wishes but obviously this will depend on the parish diary and availability of the priest.

PREPARATION

After filling up the Baptism Application Form (Click here) the parents and Godparents are required to go through the online preparation session, which is basically a reflection on the meaning of Baptism, the commitment you are undertaking and the practicalities of the ceremony.

Please, see one of the Clergy
after one of the Sunday Masses
to discuss the details.

GOD PARENTS

Each child should have at least one Godparent (the norm is two) who should be a practising and confirmed Catholic, aged 16+. Obviously the parents of the child cannot act as godparents and ideally it should be someone other than the grandparents of the child. Depends on the circumstances it is possible to have a ‘non-Catholic witness’ in addition to your godparent, provided that person is baptised Christian. If you have any queries concerning a potential godparent or witness please talk about it with the priest.