Sacrament of Baptism

People were bringing little children to him in order that he might touch them; and the disciples spoke sternly to them. But when Jesus saw this, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the little children come to me; do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs. Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it.” And he took them up in his arms, laid his hands on them, and blessed them. (Mark 10:13-16)

Baptism is the first of three sacraments of initiation or ‘belonging’. It is an important decision, among many, that you will make on behalf of your child. As parents, you make choices for your children - how they are to be cared for, the sort of food they eat, the clothes that they wear, the schools they will attend, the company they will keep. Importantly, you are now considering how best to care for them spiritually by introducing them formally into the life of Christ and his Church. As a church community we share in the well -being of your children.

For a child to be accepted as a candidate for baptism there needs to be a ‘founded hope’ that he or she will be brought up in the practice of the Catholic faith. This includes giving them a sense that they are loved deeply by God. Introducing your child to personal prayer and also to the life of the ‘community of faith’ which meets each Sunday for Eucharist is a part of this ‘well founded hope’.

Please reflect on your reasons for having your child baptised. It is a significant step and we firmly hope that as your child grows, they will have a wonderful sense of God’s presence and action in their life.

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Register for Infant Baptism

Infant Baptism

(Children 6 years and under)

For children under the age of 6 years, parents are required to attend baptism preparation. Infant baptisms take place on the 2nd or 4th Saturday of the month at 11am. Please note the requirements:

  • One parent must be a baptised Catholic (A copy of the parents baptism certificate is required)
  • Parents & Godparents are required to take the Baptism Preparation Course (normally on the 3rd Saturday of the month at 9:45am). 2025 dates are: 15 Feb, 15 Mar, 17 May, 21 Jun, 19 Jul, 16 Aug, 20 Sep, 18 Oct, 15 Nov

Baptism of Children 7+

(Children 7 years and over)

At Our Lady of Fatima, we run two children baptism programmes each year. This is a fun and interactive way for children aged from 7 years to learn and understand the sacrament of baptism. Please note that one parent must be baptised a Catholic. (A copy of the parents baptism certificate is required)

Register for Child 7+ Baptism

Frequently Asked Questions about Baptism

What if I am not Catholic but my child’s father / mother is? Expand

For sensible pastoral reasons, a child needs at least one Catholic parent to be baptised in a Catholic Church.

Who can be baptised in the Catholic Church? Expand

Any child with a parent who has been baptised Catholic is able to be baptised in the Catholic Church.

Can you be baptised more than once? Expand

Baptism into the Christian faith occurs only once.

My child is no longer a baby – can they still be baptised? Expand

Baptism can occur at any age although preparation for this varies depending on your child’s age. Contact the office for more information about this process.

What does it mean to have your child ‘baptised’? Expand

Having your child baptised means that they are incorporated into the Body of Christ and have begun the process of initiation which will be completed through the sacraments of Confirmation and First Communion. Within the Baptism ritual parents promise to support and nurture their child’s Christian life.

What is the difference between Christening and Baptism? Expand

There is no difference between Baptism and Christening. The Catholic Church recognises the first sacrament of initiation to be Baptism, which comes from a Greek word used in Scripture meaning to ‘plunge’ or immerse. ‘Christening’ is derived from Middle English and means to make Christian and is also connected with the term “Christ” which means “anointed one”. Therefore it is also connected to the “Chrismation” – or “anointing” – of the baptismal ceremony.

How do I choose a godparent and what do they do? Expand

A godparent is to be 16 years or older and fully initiated into the Catholic Church, i.e. one who has been baptised and been Confirmed and celebrated First Communion. One godparent needs to be Catholic although practising individuals of other Christian traditions are welcome to be witnesses. Non-Christians are unable to be witnesses.

There is no legal obligation as a godparent. It is a ministry of love and a privilege to be invited. Godparents are chosen with the hope that they practise their faith regularly, and will be a positive spiritual guide and good moral mentor for the baptised child.