Are you looking to have a child baptized in this Parish? Three key documents for you:
1) Baptism leaflet explaining the process
2) Full list of dates - including preparation sessions
3) Application form - print a copy, fill in, and send to Parish Office. (Please be sure to book all three dates when sending in the form.)
Baptism is the sacrament through which your child is received into the family of God and welcomed into the community of the church.
It’s a celebration which reflects the Church’s commemoration of Easter that happens at Mass every Sunday.
In our Parish of Hampshire Downs the Sacrament of Baptism is celebrated in three parts:
1: Preparation for the Sacrament 2: Presentation and Welcome into the worshipping community
3: Celebration of the Rite of Baptism
1. The 1st Preparation Session is held at St. Stephen’s, Oliver’s Battery Road North on the 2nd Sunday of the month (except in January, April in 2012, and August), from 10.30am to 12.00 noon.
At this first Session you are welcomed by the team with refreshments, followed by a presentation including a time for sharing our faith, explaining the rite of the sacrament, answering any questions you might have, and also meeting other parents. The session concludes with a short liturgy.
You are welcome to bring Godparents, Grandparents, friends and older children, in fact anyone interested in learning about Baptism. There will be teenagers and other adults on hand to play with the children if you would find that helpful.
2. The 2nd Session is the Presentation and Welcome for you and your child to be welcomed into the Church Community. This is carried out on the 4th Sunday of the month, at a Mass and Church of your choice, within Hampshire Downs.
3. The 3rd Session is the Celebration of the Sacrament of Baptism. This is held at St. Peter’s, Jewry Street, on the 1st and 3rd Sundays of most months. There are no Baptisms during Lent and on occasions when there are other events in the church that day. There is a maximum of 3 families at a Baptism celebration.
You can also choose to have your child baptised during Mass, and this is especially welcomed at the Easter Masses.
You can find full details in the documents listed above.
If you wish to discuss dates, times, or any othe part of the process, please contact Hilary Kemp via the Parish Office - click here