GUIDANCE REGARDING BAPTISM

1.  Asking to have your child baptised is a very important step.  It  is a time for great family celebrations ….. and for much more.

2.  It is a time for you to consider the practice of your own Faith in the light of the following question, asked during the Baptismal Ceremony:
You have asked to have your child baptised.  In doing so you are accepting the responsibility of training him/her in the practice of the Faith…  Do you clearly understand what you are undertaking?

3.  It is important that these words mean something to you, and that you are comfortable with the answer that you give - for the sake of your child and for the sake of your own Faith.  It is also important for the future of this Parish that you appreciate how very much we need you and your family to be part of our regular worshipping community.     Holy Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit (vitae spiritualis ianua),⁴ and the door which gives access to the other sacraments. Through Baptism we are freed from sin and reborn as sons of God; we become members of Christ, are incorporated into the Church and made sharers in her mission: "Baptism is the sacrament of regeneration through water in the word."⁵ 

4. i) Only two Godparents are allowed  - a Godmother and a Godfather. There is often some misunderstanding when it comes to choosing Godparents.  A number of people think that these fill in for the parents should anything happen to them.  (Godparents have no legal rights regarding your child.)  Others think that they are simply providers of presents at Christmas, birthdays and other occasions. ii)  The real role of Godparents is to support and encourage your child in their Faith.   iii)   It makes sense therefore that the Church requires Godparents to be practising Church-going Christians over the age of 16 - one of whom must be a Roman Catholic. 

5.  While we cannot charge for a Baptism, we are often asked for guidance on what to give as a donation to the Church and to the Priest or Deacon performing the ceremony.   We leave it to you to be as generous as your means will allow.

6.  i) We ask that no photographs are taken during the actual Baptismal Ceremony. Please pass this information on to your guests.  Usually, even the most discreet of  photographers is a distraction.  There will be plenty of opportunity for unrestricted photographs both before and after the ceremony.  ii) However, we do allow ONE Video Camera used discreetly during the Baptismal Ceremony, and in such cases we ask for a donation towards the Restoration Debt.  (Cheques payable to St. Thomas a Becket Church.)

7.  Please do not inform family and friends of any date or time of Baptism until this has been discussed and confirmed with the Priest/Deacon concerned.