Baptism is the sacrament of faith. But faith needs the community of believers. It is only within the faith of the Church that each of the faithful can believe. The faith required for Baptism is not a perfect and mature faith, but a beginning that is called to develop.” (CCC 1253)
For baptism to take place at St Anne’s it is important that you live in St Anne’s parish or that St Anne’s is the church you normally attend.
Parents need to arrange to meet with the parish priest. At this meeting we have the opportunity to explore why you would like to have your child baptised. The priest will then usually invite you to join with other parents in the next preparation programme. You as parents, must apply for your child to be baptised. The preparations, which include group catechetical sessions and prayers with the families during Sunday masses, take place three or four times a year. You are formally welcomed with other parents at the Sunday Mass you normally attend. During the catechetical sessions we look at the meaning of baptism and the role of parents and godparents. Once the preparations have been completed we are able to arrange a date and time for the celebration of your child’s baptism, whereby we offer to the parents from given blocks of Diary time in the parish Calendar.
Remember, the sacramental baptism is a beginning for your child and for your family. As parents you are presented with the joy and the responsibility and the privilege of helping your child’s faith to develop and mature through your own pattern of family worship and your life of prayer at home.
The parish community of Saint Anne seeks to welcome and encourage your family.