From January 2009 arrangements for Baptisms are as set out below.
Those seeking a baptism for their child(ren) will be invited to attend a preparation course and church services beforehand. (See below)

Preparation for Baptism

1. Baptism

a. You can't make an omlette without breaking eggs

b. The Baptism - Water under the bridge

c. The Baptism - The Breath in Your body

2. Prayer

3. The Eucharist

4. The Bible

1. Baptism is a Sacrament of the church – indeed it initiates people into the church. Therefore the church decides when baptism takes place. This is best on or near to the great festivals of the church which attunes  parents, Godparents, Sponsors, and the congregation to the great Christian ‘story’ associated with these festivals.

2. If baptism is about becoming a member of the church, then the church has some expectation of those who seek baptism – tempering this with the understanding that all Christian sacraments, and the church, are a gift from God. Therefore any approach to families must be generous, but not lacking in expectation.

3. Families who ask for baptism will be asked to attend the Sunday Eucharist at least twice before the baptism. For this reason it is important that a Learning Process is provided by the church. This is OUR responsibility to the family.

4. Prior to baptism, four sessions of teaching will be provided to each family in ‘seasonal blocks’ a. Baptism b. The Bible  c. Prayer  d. The Eucharist. This enables families to understand more fully the life of the church

5. Baptism Dates 2010

There are no baptisms during the seasons of Advent and Lent. Additional baptisms might be desirable during the Easter Vigil Mass and Easter Morning Mass to emphasize Baptism and Death/ Resurrection themes.