Christenings - Catholic

Catholic christenings

What is baptism?
What happens during the service?
Promises made
Godparents
Cost
Contacts

What is baptism?

The Catholic Church in England & Wales website (www.catholicchurch.org.uk) defines baptism as “the sacrament which makes one a member of the Church”. To Catholics, being “washed with holy waters” during the christening signifies the washing away of original sin and being reborn to a new life in Christ.

Officially, your child can only have a Catholic christening if at least one parent is a Catholic as the priest needs to have a “well-founded hope” that your child will be brought up in the Catholic Faith. For the same reason, you will normally be expected to attend pre-baptism preparation classes for your first child (usually 2 sessions) – ask your parish priest or local church for details and timings of the classes.

What happens during the service?

The ceremony usually takes place in your parish church during the main Sunday service so that the child can be publicly welcomed into the church community. This may mean that a number of children are christened in the same ceremony. However, some parishes may be able to arrange a private service after the main service so speak to your priest about the options.

During the ceremony, the parents and godparents will be directed to gather at front of church or round the font with the child. They will then be asked to make declarations or promises on behalf of the child that they believe in God and will bring the child up to follow Jesus

The priest will make the sign of the cross as a badge to show that Christians are united with Christ and pour water on the child’s head to signify that the child is washed free of sin and raised to a new life with Christ. In some ceremonies the priest may then anoint the child with oil to symbolise the outpouring of God’s Holy Spirit

The congregation will then welcome the child into the Church and a candle may be lit in the church and/or given to the parent. This is a reminder of the light which has come into the child’s life.

Some priests will allow parents or guests to choose readings and hymns – again, speak to your priest about the options.

Promises made

Celebrant: Do you reject Satan?
Parents and godparents: I do.
Celebrant: And all his works?
Parents and godparents: I do.
Celebrant: And all his empty promises?
Parents and godparents: I do.

Godparents (sponsors)

The Catholic church says that one godparent is sufficient and not more than two are allowed. If you are having two godparents, then one should be male and one female. The Godparents cannot be the parents of the child and thy should be baptised and preferably confirmed.

The Church considers the role of the Godparent as Important and responsible role, with an obligation to instruct the child concerning faith and morals in default of the child’s parents.

Non-catholic Christians can be “witnesses” but not Godparents

See article on Choosing Godparents

Cost

Baptism is free however there may be small charge for the baptismal certificate or an administration fee. You might like to consider making a donation to the church.

Contacts