A baptism, or christening, is the first step on an amazing journey with God, in the company of parents, godparents, and the family of the Church. A lifetime of discovering more about faith, hope and love begins – and so this is a wonderful moment to celebrate.
Baptism is the sacramental means by which we become Christians, given to us by Jesus. As a sacrament, it involves a physical sign (the pouring of water), with the words by which God gives us His grace and power: ‘I baptise you, in the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.’
At the baptism of infants, parents and godparents promise that they will bring up the child as a Christian. Each child should have at least three godparents, who must themselves have been baptised. Two should be of the same sex as the child, and the child’s parents can in fact be godparents themselves.
If you would like your baptism to take place at St Mary’s, we invite you first to attend our 10.30 Sunday Mass, to say hello to Fr Richard, our vicar, and to other members of the parish family. We are a growing congregation, and have babies and small children as part of our church family – and facilities for them – so please bring them along too.
Baptisms may take place on a Sunday after the 10.30 Mass, after which the baptised adult or child receives a certificate, and has their name entered in the baptismal register. It is also possible for a baptism to take place during the Mass, if that is preferred. To prepare for the baptism, you will be invited to meet with Fr Richard, to finalise details and to go through the service.
There are no fees for a baptism, although a donation is invited.
Baptism Enquiry
For further information, please contact Fr Richard on 020 8907 2914, or submit the enquiry form below