Children's Baptisms
What is baptism?
It is the Sacrament through which God makes us members of his Church and in which we receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
It is a wonderful thing to desire to have your child baptised. If you ask to have your child baptised, you are taking on a serious commitment as you are indicating that you wish to bring your child up according to the teachings of the Catholic Church.
This means that Sunday by Sunday you would come with your child to Mass and that you will do all in your power to make sure that the child learns the Faith and practises it, so that your whole family together can grow in the knowledge and love of God. We feel that it is important for you to understand what Baptism is, and what it is you are undertaking on behalf of your child. You can then make your decision according to your conscience.
A child under the age of seven years is too young to answer the priest’s questions at baptism, so the parents and the god-parents have to answer and make the promises on the child’s behalf. In effect, the child is being baptised into your faith and it is your responsibility to continue to grow in faith and share your faith with your child/children. Below is the commitment you will be asked to make during the service. When you read it, you will realise that it commits you and the child’s god-parents to being practising members of God’s Church and to making sure that your child is also.
These are the questions the priest will ask the parents and godparents during the Baptism service:
It is the Sacrament through which God makes us members of his Church and in which we receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
It is a wonderful thing to desire to have your child baptised. If you ask to have your child baptised, you are taking on a serious commitment as you are indicating that you wish to bring your child up according to the teachings of the Catholic Church.
This means that Sunday by Sunday you would come with your child to Mass and that you will do all in your power to make sure that the child learns the Faith and practises it, so that your whole family together can grow in the knowledge and love of God. We feel that it is important for you to understand what Baptism is, and what it is you are undertaking on behalf of your child. You can then make your decision according to your conscience.
A child under the age of seven years is too young to answer the priest’s questions at baptism, so the parents and the god-parents have to answer and make the promises on the child’s behalf. In effect, the child is being baptised into your faith and it is your responsibility to continue to grow in faith and share your faith with your child/children. Below is the commitment you will be asked to make during the service. When you read it, you will realise that it commits you and the child’s god-parents to being practising members of God’s Church and to making sure that your child is also.
These are the questions the priest will ask the parents and godparents during the Baptism service:
Celebrant: Parents, 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. It will be your duty to bring him/her up to keep God's commandments as Christ taught us, by loving God and our neighbour. Do you clearly understand what you are undertaking?
Parents: We do.
Then the celebrant turns to the godparents and addresses them in these or similar words:
Celebrant: Godparents, are you ready to help the parents of this child in their duty as Christian parents?
Godparents: We are.
Parents: We do.
Then the celebrant turns to the godparents and addresses them in these or similar words:
Celebrant: Godparents, are you ready to help the parents of this child in their duty as Christian parents?
Godparents: We are.
Some practical questions we are often asked:
When do baptisms take place?
Baptisms normally take place on the First and Third Sundays of the month. Usually there will be one or two other families celebrating baptism in the same service.
What will I be expected to do before the Baptism?
You will need to attend a Baptism Class and to attend Sunday Masses. Once your registration form is completed you will be contacted about the time of the next Baptism Class.
How do we know what to do during the Baptism service?
During the Baptism Class you there will be an explanation of all that is involved and there will be a chance to ask any questions about the service.
How much does a Baptism cost?
There is no set charge for a baptism, but it is customary to make a donation in thanksgiving (suggested amount £30). This can be handed to the priest or deacon on the day of the baptism.
Who can be a god-parent?
God-parents must themselves have been baptised Catholics and should be practicing their faith each week. They must be at least sixteen years old and they must be aware of the responsibilities they are to undertake.
How many god-parents should there be?
One god-parent is sufficient, but people normally have two god-parents, one male and one female. We know that choosing god-parents can sometimes be tricky if somebody in the family is likely to be upset if not asked, so you can also have extra Christian Witnesses who will stand with them at the ceremony. Christian witnesses must be baptised Christians and only the two god-parents names will appear on the Baptism Certificate.
How do I register my child for baptism?
If this is what you seek, then please speak to one of the priests after a Sunday Mass and ask for the link to the online Baptism Registration Form. Once you have submitted your application, along with a photocopy of your own certificate of Baptism, you will be invited to a Baptism Preparation Class. At the Baptism Class you will be able to organise the date for the baptism of your child.
The Baptism Preparation Class will normally take place at St Michael's in the Sacristy Meeting Room (173 Coalway Road).
Sometimes, the class might take place at SS Peter and Paul's Church in the Milner Room. (If you are travelling by car and using a SatNav, please use the postcode for Paternoster Row WV1 1SR). There is a car park at the Church.
Baptisms take place at SS Peter and Paul on the First Sunday of the month and at St Michael’s on the third Sunday of the month. Baptisms at St Bernadette’s need to be organised with the availability of the priest or deacon.
When do baptisms take place?
Baptisms normally take place on the First and Third Sundays of the month. Usually there will be one or two other families celebrating baptism in the same service.
What will I be expected to do before the Baptism?
You will need to attend a Baptism Class and to attend Sunday Masses. Once your registration form is completed you will be contacted about the time of the next Baptism Class.
How do we know what to do during the Baptism service?
During the Baptism Class you there will be an explanation of all that is involved and there will be a chance to ask any questions about the service.
How much does a Baptism cost?
There is no set charge for a baptism, but it is customary to make a donation in thanksgiving (suggested amount £30). This can be handed to the priest or deacon on the day of the baptism.
Who can be a god-parent?
God-parents must themselves have been baptised Catholics and should be practicing their faith each week. They must be at least sixteen years old and they must be aware of the responsibilities they are to undertake.
How many god-parents should there be?
One god-parent is sufficient, but people normally have two god-parents, one male and one female. We know that choosing god-parents can sometimes be tricky if somebody in the family is likely to be upset if not asked, so you can also have extra Christian Witnesses who will stand with them at the ceremony. Christian witnesses must be baptised Christians and only the two god-parents names will appear on the Baptism Certificate.
How do I register my child for baptism?
If this is what you seek, then please speak to one of the priests after a Sunday Mass and ask for the link to the online Baptism Registration Form. Once you have submitted your application, along with a photocopy of your own certificate of Baptism, you will be invited to a Baptism Preparation Class. At the Baptism Class you will be able to organise the date for the baptism of your child.
The Baptism Preparation Class will normally take place at St Michael's in the Sacristy Meeting Room (173 Coalway Road).
Sometimes, the class might take place at SS Peter and Paul's Church in the Milner Room. (If you are travelling by car and using a SatNav, please use the postcode for Paternoster Row WV1 1SR). There is a car park at the Church.
Baptisms take place at SS Peter and Paul on the First Sunday of the month and at St Michael’s on the third Sunday of the month. Baptisms at St Bernadette’s need to be organised with the availability of the priest or deacon.
Adult Baptisms
If you are an adult seeking baptism, contact one of the priests using the contact information on the home page and they will explain to you how you will be prepared to receive this great Sacrament.
The Parish is part of the Archdiocese of Birmingham: Registered Charity No. 234216
