Blessed Robert Grissold Catholic Church

A Community based on Faith, Altar and the Word
Baptisms
Baptism is the first of seven sacraments and the way in which a person becomes a member of the Catholic Church. Anyone who has not already been baptised can receive the sacrament of Baptism in the Catholic Church. The Catechism of the Catholic Church states that “Every person not yet baptised and only such a person is able to be baptised,” (paragraph 1246). Baptism leaves an indelible (permanent) mark on the soul and there is no way nor any reason that one could be re-baptised.

Baptism is the beginning of our life of faith, the beginning of getting to know and understand what being loved by God means. Baptism is God’s token to us of his great love. Our faith carries us forward to the Sacraments, but when we are babies it is the faith of our parents which brings us to the Sacrament of Baptism

Each infant or young child who is to be baptised must have at least one godparent. Customarily, an infant or a young child who is baptised has both a godmother and a godfather. Church Law (Canon 873) specifies that “Only one male or one female…or one of each sex is to be employed” for this ministry. The parents of the child to be baptised are prohibited from fulfilling the role of godparent for their own child. Canon 874 specifies that a godparent must be at least sixteen years of age; must be a Catholic who is confirmed and has received First Communion; a person who lives a life in harmony with the Catholic faith and intends to carry out the role of godparent.

Regarding the question of a non-Catholic Christian serving in this capacity: By definition, a “godparent” is a Catholic as described above. According to Canon 874, “a baptised person who belongs to a non-Catholic community may not be admitted except as a witness to baptism and together with a Catholic [godparent].” A non-baptised person (for example, a person of the Jewish or Islamic faith) is not permitted to serve even as a witness. This prohibition does not disrespect the faith of non-Christians; rather, it emphasises the primary role of the godparent: to be a person who will give the child clear example of faithful Catholic values and living

Baptisms can be arranged on request. For more information, please contact our parish priest via the Contact Us Page here.

Our parish can also provide music in the form of hymns, choral music or soloists as part of the baptism service if required. Please mention this in your email and we will contact you to discuss your requirements further.

If you would like to hold a celebration in our parish hall after the baptism, you can learn more about what we have to offer here. Again, please mention any requirements in your email and we will contact you.

Quick Links

Parish Registration Form
Regular Giving Form

Quick Links

Parish Registration
Regular Giving Form
© 2017 C2 Consulting Contact Web admin