What if I have concerns about meeting the requirements?

If you’re unsure whether your situation fits, please don’t worry. Simply reach out to us and have a chat with Fr. Ben. We’re here to support you however we can.

What is the Sacrament of Baptism?

Baptism is the first sacrament of Christian initiation. It marks the beginning of a lifelong journey of faith and commitment. Through Baptism, we are freed from sin, welcomed into the family of the Church, and become adopted children of God.

What if I was baptised in another Christian denomination?

If you have been baptised in another Christian denomination using water and the Trinitarian invocation, your baptism is usually accepted as valid, but this can be discussed with the parish priest. If accepted as valid, to join the Catholic Church, you would proceed through the sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist.

What are the requirements for Godparents?

Your child will need at least one Godparent who is a practising, confirmed Catholic over the age of 18. We’ll discuss all the details about Godparents during our preparation evening, where you can ask any questions you have.

How do I get started with the Baptism process?

Please call or email the parish office to take the next steps. We look forward to welcoming your child into our community through the grace of Baptism.

Baptism at St Cecilia’s RC Church

Congratulations!

If you’re reading this, you’re likely preparing to welcome a new baby or have just done so. What an exciting time—and we’re thrilled for you!

We're Here to Support You

We’re here to help you and your little one feel part of a loving community of families, including many other new parents. Our parish is ready to support you however we can, all centred in the love of Jesus Christ.

If you’d like to have your child baptised here, the main requirements are that at least one parent (or adoptive parent) is Catholic, and that you live in our parish or have a connection to our church, such as being brought up here. That’s all there is to it!

If you have any concerns or are unsure whether your situation fits, please don’t worry. Just reach out to us—we’d love for you to chat with Fr. Ben, and we’ll be here to support you through it all.

The Sacrament of Baptism

For Catholics, Baptism marks the beginning of a lifelong journey of faith and commitment. It is the first sacrament that welcomes us into the family of the Church, frees us from sin, and makes us adopted children of God.

Jesus himself set the example of Baptism when he chose to be baptised by John the Baptist. While Jesus had no need to be baptised, his action showed solidarity with us and pointed the way for all who follow him. When Jesus commanded his disciples to baptise all nations, he established Baptism as a means of starting a new life with God.

Through Baptism, our souls are transformed. We are called to walk in the light of Christ and grow in love for him. Although we believe all people are made in the image of God, it is through Baptism that we become true sons and daughters of God, joining in communion with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

The Rite of Baptism

During Baptism, the candidate is immersed in water or has water poured over their head, while invoking the Holy Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This sacrament is a rebirth, allowing us to share in the mission of the Church and become members of Christ.

If you have already been baptised in another Christian denomination in this way, we recognise your baptism as valid. Should you wish to join the Catholic Church, you would do so through the sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist.

Godparents

Your child will also need at least one Godparent for Baptism—someone who is a practising, confirmed Catholic over the age of 18. We’ll discuss all the details, including Godparents, at our preparation evening, where you’ll have the chance to ask any questions you may have.

Once again, congratulations! Please call or email the parish office to take the next steps. We’re looking forward to welcoming your child into our community with the beautiful grace of Baptism.

Who can have their child baptised at St. Cecilia’s Church?

If at least one parent (or adoptive parent) is Catholic and you live in our parish or have a connection to our church (such as being brought up here), your child is welcome to be baptised here.
What if I have concerns about meeting the requirements?

If you’re unsure whether your situation fits, please don’t worry. Simply reach out to us and have a chat with Fr. Ben. We’re here to support you however we can.
What is the Sacrament of Baptism?

Baptism is the first sacrament of Christian initiation. It marks the beginning of a lifelong journey of faith and commitment. Through Baptism, we are freed from sin, welcomed into the family of the Church, and become adopted children of God.
What if I was baptised in another Christian denomination?

If you have been baptised in another Christian denomination using water and the Trinitarian invocation, your baptism is usually accepted as valid, but this can be discussed with the parish priest. If accepted as valid, to join the Catholic Church, you would proceed through the sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist.
What are the requirements for Godparents?

Your child will need at least one Godparent who is a practising, confirmed Catholic over the age of 18. We’ll discuss all the details about Godparents during our preparation evening, where you can ask any questions you have.
How do I get started with the Baptism process?

Please call or email the parish office to take the next steps. We look forward to welcoming your child into our community through the grace of Baptism.

Arranging a Baptism at St Cecilia's

Planning a Baptism.

Resources