Baptism

In asking to have a child baptised, the parents are accepting the responsibility of training the child in the practice of the Christian faith. It is the duty of every Catholic parent to bring their child up to keep God’s commandments as Christ taught us, by loving God and our neighbour. A non-Catholic parent is asked to support the Catholic parent in this duty.

Although baptism can be conferred on almost any date, it is the practice of this parish for the baptism of infants to be celebrated on certain designated days. Depending on circumstance and availability, baptisms usually take place outside of Mass on Saturday or Sunday afternoon. It is usual for more than one child to be baptised at the same ceremony.

Should you wish your child to be baptised at St John’s, please contact the Parish Office. It will arrange for you to meet with one of the Cathedral clergy who will assist you with an appropriate preparation. For parents, who have not had any previous children baptised, this will include attending a preparation session which includes instruction on the meaning of the Sacrament and on the ceremony. There will also be an opportunity to ask any questions you may have. For children aged seven and older, who themselves wish to be baptised, we will seek to provide a full and appropriate preparation.

Please note that, if you live in another Catholic parish, you will need to provide us with a letter from your own parish priest giving permission for the baptism to take place in our parish.