St Joseph's Catholic Church, Oakham

Baptism is the foundation of all the Sacraments. Together with Holy Communion and Confirmation, it forms part of the three Sacraments of initiation into the Church, the family of God. Baptism is therefore the beginning of a Christian life.

" ... Parents and godparents, this light is entrusted to you to keep burning brightly. This child of yours has been enlightened by Christ ... to live always as a child of the light ... "

New baby? Congratulations!

You've probably had lots of celebrations to welcome your baby into the world and are thinking about having your baby baptised. We at St Joseph's want to help you to prepare for the very special responsibility of bringing your child up as a member of the Catholic community.

To help you to do this we offer a short course of preparation, led by parishioners who are experienced parents, to help you to reflect on the great privilege of your own baptism and how you can share this with you child. We hope it will also help you to grow closer the Christ.

For the grace of baptism to unfold, the parents’ help is important. So too is the role of the godfather and the godmother who must be firm believers, able and ready to help the newly baptised child or adult on the road of Christian life. The whole Church community bears some responsibility for the development and safeguarding of the grace given in Baptism.

The Lord himself affirms that baptism is necessary for salvation. He also commands his disciples to proclaim the Gospel to all nations and to baptise them. Baptism is necessary for salvation for those to whom the Gospel has been proclaimed and who have had the possibility of asking for the sacrament. The Church does not know of any means other than Baptism that ensures entry into eternal happiness.

— Catechism of the Catholic Church, nos. 1247 to 1257, passim

Questions to ask yourselves:

 - What you hope for your child?

 - Why you seek Baptism?

 - What the commitment involves?

 - What are the symbols of Baptism:

• water, oil, white garment, lighted candle.

To enrol for a preparation course please get an information leaflet/application form from the porch in Church or print a copy via the link below and complete it.  

Please give it to Father Stephen.

click here for information leaflet

For more information about the Baptism Preparation course please contact

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