Baptism is the first sacrament of Christian life. It is the beginning of our life in Christ and the door to the other sacraments.
Through Baptism, God frees us from sin, gives us new life, makes us His children, and welcomes us into the Church.
At Baptism, the priest pours water over the child or adult and says:
“I baptise you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”
Baptism is not simply a naming ceremony or a family celebration, although it is a very joyful occasion. It is a sacrament: a real gift of grace from God.
Baptism truly forgives sin and gives us new life. However, it does not mean life will become easy or that we will never struggle. Like all Christians, the baptised person still needs prayer, the sacraments, and the support of the Church.
If you would like to ask about Baptism at St John Payne, please contact the parish or speak to Fr Alex after Mass.
Note: If you wish to organise a baptism, you should contact your home parish in the first instance. You can find your nearest parish in the Diocese of Brentwood on this page.
Baptism for babies and young children
If you would like your child to be baptised and you live in our parish, we will be very glad to hear from you.
Parents who ask for Baptism are making an important promise. They are asking the Church to baptise their child, and they are promising to bring their child up in the Catholic faith.
This does not mean you need to know everything or feel completely confident. Many parents are still learning, returning to church, or trying to find their way. Please do not let that stop you from asking.
Before the Baptism, parents will normally be asked to take part in some preparation. This gives you a chance to understand the meaning of the sacrament, ask questions, and think about the promises you will make.
We will also talk with you about how you will raise your child in the faith, with support from the parish.
Baptism for older children
If your child is older, the preparation may be different.
Children who are old enough to understand and take part in their own preparation are usually prepared in a way more like adults. In the Catholic Church, this normally applies from around the age of seven.
This does not mean the process has to be frightening or difficult. It simply means the child is helped to learn about the Catholic faith, at a pace and in a way that is right for their age.
If you are asking about Baptism for an older child, please speak to Fr Alex or contact the parish. We will help you understand the next step.
Godparents
Godparents have an important role. They help the parents support the child’s life of faith.
You need at least one Catholic godparent. It is common to have two godparents, usually one godmother and one godfather, but only one is required.
A Catholic godparent should:
- Be a baptised Catholic
- Have received First Holy Communion and Confirmation
- Be old enough to understand the responsibility
- Be able to support the child’s Catholic upbringing
- Not be the child’s mother or father
A baptised Christian who is not Catholic cannot be a godparent. However, they may be included as a “Christian Witness,” alongside a Catholic godparent.
If you are unsure who can be a godparent, please speak to Fr Alex or contact the parish before making arrangements.
Baptism for adults
If you are an adult and have never been baptised, you are very welcome to speak to us.
Adults normally prepare for Baptism through RCIA, the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. This is the Church’s way of helping adults prepare to become Catholic. It gives you time to pray, learn, ask questions, attend Mass, and decide freely whether you want to receive the sacraments.
Adult Baptism usually takes place at the Easter Vigil, the beautiful Mass celebrated on Holy Saturday night. At this Mass, the Church keeps watch for the Resurrection of Christ. New Catholics are welcomed into the Church with great joy.
Adults who are baptised at the Easter Vigil normally receive the three Sacraments of Initiation together: Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Eucharist. This is why the Easter Vigil is such a powerful and moving celebration.
If you have already been validly baptised in another Christian tradition, you cannot be baptised again. Instead, after preparation through RCIA, you may be received into full communion with the Catholic Church, confirmed, and receive Holy Communion.
If you are thinking about becoming Catholic, or simply want to ask questions, please speak to Fr Alex or contact the parish.