Michael Brooks
If you want to get your child baptised in the Catholic Church in the UK, you'll first need to contact your local priest or baptism coordinator to make an appointment. You may need to fill out a form or book a meeting. You'll need to be a practising Catholic or at least one parent needs to be Catholic (and the other supporting) and you'll be expected to raise your child in the Catholic faith. You'll also need to choose godparents who are practising Catholics and over the age of 16. You may be asked to attend preparation sessions and Mass, and there may be a charge to cover the costs of the baptism.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| First step | Contact your local priest or baptism coordinator |
| Godparents | At least one Catholic godparent over the age of 16 who is not the mother or father of the child |
| Parents | At least one parent must be Catholic |
| Parents' marital status | Baptism is not denied if parents are unmarried or not married in the Roman Catholic Church |
| Parents' religious practice | Parents must intend to live a Catholic life in harmony with the Gospel |
| Preparation | Parents may be asked to attend preparation sessions individually or in a group |
| Liturgy | The child is received at the door of the church, where the parents and godparents ask for baptism and agree to their new responsibilities |
| Everyone proceeds into the church to hear scripture readings about baptism, with some words of explanation from the priest | |
| The child is anointed with oil, and the parents and godparents profess the Christian faith | |
| The priest baptises the child, saying: "I baptise you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit." | |
| Costs | There is no charge for baptism, but donations are welcomed |
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What You'll Learn
Contact your local priest
If you are considering getting your child baptised in the Catholic Church in the UK, the first step is to contact your local priest. You can look up the number of your nearest Catholic church and call to ask about available dates for a baptism. You may need to fill out a form or book a meeting.
Some parishes may expect you to begin attending Mass if you are not a regular attendee. You may also be asked to attend preparation sessions, either individually or in a group. These sessions are an opportunity to learn more about what baptism means and the responsibilities you are taking on as Christian parents.
If you are not sure which parish you are in, you can search the directory. If you are resident in one parish but wish to have your child baptised in another, you will need to take your baptismal preparation in your home parish and then receive a letter from your parish priest to have your child baptised elsewhere.
It is important to note that, while baptism is not denied if parents are unmarried or not married in the Catholic Church, there may be a reason to postpone if parents are not practising the faith or do not intend to live a Catholic life. Additionally, at least one parent should be Catholic, and the child will need at least one Catholic godparent.
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Attend a preparation session
Preparation sessions are a common requirement for parents seeking to have their child baptised in the Catholic Church in the UK. These sessions are typically organised at the parish level, and you can enquire about them when you first contact your local priest or baptism coordinator. The sessions can take place either in a group setting or individually, depending on the practices of your particular parish.
During these preparation sessions, parents are expected to reflect on their role in nurturing their child's faith. The sessions aim to provide a foundation for parents and godparents to unite in their faith and effectively guide their child's spiritual growth. It is an opportunity to deepen your understanding of the sacrament of baptism and embark on a meaningful journey of faith together.
The format of these preparation sessions can vary. Some parishes may offer in-person classes, while others may provide online resources and digital preparation materials for added convenience and flexibility. These online platforms often feature interactive and engaging content to make the preparation process a joyful experience.
There are also online baptism preparation courses offered by external Catholic organisations. These courses may provide a faster option for busy parents and godparents, allowing them to complete the necessary requirements at their own pace and receive a certificate of completion. However, it is important to ensure that any external course you consider is recognised by your parish.
Remember, the preparation sessions are not just a requirement but also a valuable opportunity to strengthen your faith and that of your child's godparents, so that you can all actively participate in their spiritual journey.
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Choose a godparent
Choosing a Godparent
The role of a godparent is more than just being a relative or friend who encourages Christian behaviour. Godparents act as sponsors, friends and spiritual guides to the child and the family. They represent the Church and the community of faith into which the child is being baptised and will assist the child in growing within that community. It is therefore important to choose a godparent who is responsible and committed to the Catholic faith, and who will take their duties as a godparent seriously.
According to Canon Law, a godparent must be a practising Catholic who is at least 16 years old, has been confirmed, and lives a life of faith. They must have received the Sacraments of Baptism, Eucharist and
If you are having trouble finding a suitable godparent, don't worry. The Church can help you. You only need one godparent, but traditionally, two are chosen—one male and one female, both Christians. A non-Catholic may serve as an "official witness" to the baptism, as long as there is also a Catholic sponsor who fully meets the requirements of a godparent. The non-Catholic witness should be an active and participating member of their own church community.
Once you've agreed on your child's godparent(s), approach your local parish to get the paperwork started and attend classes.
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Arrange a date
The first step is to contact your local priest or baptism coordinator. You can do this by looking up the number of your nearest Catholic church and calling them to ask about available dates. You may need to fill out a form or book a meeting. If you are not sure which parish you are in, you can search the directory.
Some parishes may expect you to begin attending Mass if you are not a regular attendee. You may also be asked to attend some preparation sessions, either in a group or individually. These sessions will help you to understand the responsibilities you are taking on as Christian parents.
After the initial meeting, the priest will pass your details to the Parish's Baptismal Catechist, who will meet with you a couple of times to discuss the baptism further. A week or two before the baptism, you will be invited to come forward at the end of a Sunday Mass to be welcomed by the parish community.
If you are not Catholic, it is unlikely that you will be able to have your child baptised without at least one of the parents converting to Catholicism. You will also need to be practising Catholics and attend Mass regularly.
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Participate in the ceremony
Participating in the ceremony
Baptism is a sacred ceremony in the Catholic Church, and there are several ways for parents, godparents, and other attendees to participate in the ritual. Here are the steps you can expect during the baptism ceremony:
- The child is received at the door of the church, where the parents and godparents ask for baptism and agree to their new responsibilities.
- The priest will then lead everyone into the church for the service.
- During the service, there will be readings from the scriptures about baptism, with some words of explanation from the priest.
- The priest will bless the baptismal water if necessary.
- The parents and godparents will then profess their Christian faith.
- The priest will perform the baptism by saying, "I baptise you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit."
- In some cases, the child may also be anointed with oil, symbolising protection and a commitment to living a life of faith.
It is important to note that while non-Catholic family members can be involved in the ceremony as witnesses, at least one godparent must be a practising Catholic who is confirmed and over the age of 16.
Preparation for the ceremony
Prior to the baptism, parents and godparents may be asked to participate in preparation sessions. These sessions can be held individually or in groups and are designed to help you understand the significance of baptism and the responsibilities you are taking on. It is an opportunity for the priest, parents, and child to get to know each other better. You may also be invited to attend a Sunday Mass a week or two before the baptism, where you will be welcomed by the parish community.
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Frequently asked questions
First, contact your local priest or baptism coordinator to make an appointment. You may need to fill out a form or book a meeting. You may be asked to attend some preparation sessions, either in a group or individually. Your child will need at least one Catholic godparent who is over 16 and cannot be their mother or father.
Some churches require at least one parent to be Catholic, while others require both parents to be Catholic or at least one supporting it. If you are not Catholic, you may be expected to convert and attend Mass regularly.
You can get your child baptised in the parish where you live. If you want to get your child baptised in another parish, you will need to take your baptismal preparation in the parish where you live and then receive a letter from your Parish Priest.
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