Dear Parents!
The Lord Jesus gave this command to His apostles: “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” (Mt 28:19).
The Baptism of your child is a commitment to the Catholic Church, of which every baptised Catholic is a member. Baptism, as a visible sacramental sign, truly conveys God's grace and love, incorporating [the baptised] into His life. In the Sacrament of Baptism, the one to be baptised shares in God's life: they become a child of the heavenly Father, a brother or sister of Jesus, in the Holy Spirit and in the communion of the Church.
It is an ancient custom in the Church for Christian parents to request Baptism for their newborn child. Since an infant is not yet capable of consciously believing, hoping, and loving, the Sacrament is administered in reliance on the Christian faith of the parents: they undertake to pass on their own faith to their child, to introduce them to the Gospel, and to assist them in developing a personal faith, so that as they grow up, they may be able to make a personal decision for Christ and the Church. Therefore, the Church baptises children when at least one of the two parents requests it and responsibly ensures their child's Christian upbringing. If this condition is not met, according to the provisions of Canon Law, Baptism must be deferred until the condition is fulfilled.
Conditions for the Baptism of Infants (up to 6 years of age)
Applications must be made at the parish office at least 1 month before the scheduled date of Baptism. A personal preparatory interview for Baptism will be scheduled by appointment. It is important that, if possible, both parents of the child to be baptised attend this interview together. Applications may also be made before the birth of the baby. The duration of the Baptism ceremony is approximately 25 minutes. Baptismal times: on Sundays following the 10:30 Holy Mass, or at an individually agreed time.
Conditions for the Baptism of Children aged 6-14
Before Baptism, children must attend religious instruction and Sunday Holy Mass for at least one year. A personal preparatory interview for Baptism will be scheduled by appointment. It is important that, if possible, both parents of the child to be baptised attend this interview together.
The Godparent
The Godparent assists and accompanies the one to be baptised in their growth in Christian life. In the case of infant Baptism, their role is to assist the parents in Christian upbringing. The Godparent is designated by the one to be baptised or by their parents. One Godparent is necessary for the one to be baptised, but there may be two or even more persons.
It follows from the nature of Baptism that a Godparent must be a Roman or Greek Catholic who has been baptised, has completed their sixteenth year of age, and has received at least their First Holy Communion. It is important that they lead a life worthy of faith and the office of a Godparent; that is, they must not be excluded from receiving the Sacraments due to their life situation (e.g., living in a cohabiting relationship), their practice of faith must be active, and if married, they must be in a sacramental marriage. A Protestant Christian may only be registered as a witness to the Baptism.
Application for Baptism
Parents should apply in person at the parish office. Please bring the application form, which can be downloaded at the bottom of the page, completed, printed, and signed, along with the following documents:
– the child's birth certificate (original)
– the parents' baptismal authorisation from their parish of residence
– a certificate issued to the Godparents from their parish of residence.