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BAPTISM

Welcome to the Sacrament of Baptism at the Parish of the Immaculate Conception, Portswood

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What is Baptism?

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"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. 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."

Catechism of the Catholic Church​

Baptism gives us a new identity, connects us to a new community of believers, initiates us into a new way of living, and provides a clear mission in life.  More about the sacrament of Baptism can be found here. 
 

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​How to Arrange a Baptism

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Infant and Children Aged 7 and  under
If you would like your child to be baptised at the Parish of the Immaculate Conception, Portswood, please follow these simple steps:

1. Contact the parish Office - office@immaculateconception.church to request a Baptism application form.

2. Complete and return the form.

3. Attend a required Baptism preparation course.

4. Contact parish office to agree a Baptism date with the parish priest.
    

We encourage families to make contact well in advance of their preferred date.

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Children Aged 7 and Above
Children aged 7 and above who have past the age for infant baptism, the Church asks that they be prepared through the catechumenate. This means they would journey in faith with other children, receiving the Sacraments of Initiation, including Baptism, as they prepare to make their First Holy Communion. Please contact the Parish Office, where we will be happy to guide you through the process and discuss the next steps.

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Adult Baptism - Above 18years 

The Catholic Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) is a programme for anyone over aged 18 who would like to be received into full communion with the Catholic church, whether or not they have previously been baptised in a Christian church. 

 If you are an adult considering Baptism or would like to learn more about becoming a Catholic, please get in touch with the Parish Office. We would be pleased to support and guide you through the process.

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​Godparents
The godparent is to be a model, guide and witness for the godchild as he or she grows in faith.

 

What are the requirements to be a godparent?
A godparent should be a confirmed, Catholic Christian who is at least 16 years of age, and who faithfully practices and believes in the Catholic faith as a participating member of a parish community.
 

How many godparents should there be?

Church law only requires you to have one godparent; however, it has been tradition to have two.

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Can the same godparents have responsibility for more than one child in the same family?

Yes, as long as they take seriously their responsibility and intention to help the children grow in faith.

What gender should the godparent be?

f you choose only one godparent, you are free to choose a male or a female. However, if you wish to have two godparents, there must be one male and one female.
 

Can a non-Catholic serve as a godparent?

A baptized, non-Catholic may serve as an “official witness” to the baptism, only if there is a proper Catholic sponsor who fully meets all requirements of a godparent. The non-Catholic who is selected as a witness should be an active and participating member of his/her church community. During the baptism, a non-Catholic witness may perform all the parts of the ceremony that a godparent does. His or her name will be entered into the Sacrament Record Book as an “official witness”, together with the name of the godparent.

 

​What is the difference between a godparent and a witness?

Canon Law describes a witness as “A baptized person who belongs to a non-catholic ecclesial community.” A godparent is a confirmed, practicing Catholic in good standing with the Church.

Can someone serve as godparent by proxy (stand-in) if the godparent is unable to participate in the baptism ceremony?

If a godparent cannot attend the baptism ceremony, a proxy can stand in the place of the missing godparent. The name of that person will be entered as “proxy” in the Sacramental Record Book, along with the name of the missing godparent.

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