Baptism
Baptism is the first sacrament of initiation and is the gate to all other holy sacraments. Baptism is a gift from God to humanity. It initiates us into the family of God and cleanses us of sin. It is the purifying and sanctifying sacrament of rebirth. We do not need to earn this gift. God gives it freely to all who are open to it.
For someone who is baptised as an infant, the personal response of faith comes as the child grows to respond to the graces given in baptism. When you are baptised, you become a part of the worldwide church. The goal of infant baptism is to grow in faith, and become a disciple of Jesus.
To have a child baptised in one of our churches, at least one parent must be Catholic and should either live within the parish of The Holy Family or regularly attend Sunday Mass here.
Godparents must be over 16, Catholic and have received the sacrament of Confirmation.
All Sacraments Need Preparation
St. Joseph’s, St. Elizabeths and St. Edmund Campion
The baptismal preparation course is available for all parents whose child is being baptised at either St. Joseph’s, St. Elizabeth’s or St. Edmund Campion churches.
The course is a 90 minutes in duration and guides parents through preparation. It is held at St Josephs on the first Tuesday of the month at 7.00pm.
We encourage both parents to attend the session, and any god parents if they are local. Children/siblings are also welcome.
For further details please contact the priest via the parish office: stec@portsmouthdiocese.org.uk. The Baptism catechist is Norma Machray.
St. Thomas More
The baptismal preparation course is available for all parents whose child is being baptised at St. Thomas More church. For further details please contact the priest via the parish office: stmtwyford@portsmouthdiocese.org.uk.
Baptisms in the parish usually take place at:
St. Joseph’s and St. Elizabeth’s by appointment with the priest on Saturdays or Sundays.
St. Edmund Campion by appointment with the priest on Saturdays or Sundays.
St. Thomas More – 10.30 Sunday mass.
Baptism for Adults
Adults normally attend the RCIA course (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults). The RCIA is a journey for welcoming adults into the Roman Catholic Church for the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist.
Individuals will meet in the parish as part of their preparation, with the sponsorship from an existing Catholic from the within the parish who will support them in their journey towards Christ.
Matthew 28:19
Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
