Baptism:
A Divine Beginning
Baptism, the first sacrament and gateway into the Christian life, is the cleansing from original sin and rebirth into a new life in Christ. Through water and the invocation of the Holy Trinity, one becomes a member of the Church, the Body of Christ.
For infants, Baptism requires the consent of parents or guardians who intend to raise the child in the Catholic faith. Adults seeking Baptism must express their desire, be instructed in the faith, and show a commitment to living a Christian life.
Baptism leaves an indelible spiritual mark on the soul and is celebrated with joy as the beginning of a lifelong journey of faith.
To Baptise your child
We are delighted you're considering baptism for your child at Holy Cross Church. Baptism marks the beginning of a lifelong journey of faith, and we're honoured to be a part of this special occasion. Here's a guide to walk you through the process:
1. Registration:
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Application Form: Pick up a Baptism application form from Fr. Antony. He's usually available to meet you after weekday Masses.
2. Required Documentation:
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Proof of Catholicism: Please submit documents proving the Catholic faith of at least one parent and all godparents. This can be a copy of a Baptism certificate, a Marriage certificate in a Catholic Church, or a letter from a priest from their current parish.
3. Baptism Preparation Program:
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Online Course: Begin by completing our online Baptism Preparation Course. This interactive course, accessible through this link: link to Baptism preparation videos, provides valuable information about the sacrament and its significance.
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In-Person Session: Following the online course, attend an in-person Baptism Preparation session. This session allows you to meet with other parents and ask questions about the ceremony and your child's faith journey.
4. Scheduling the Baptism:
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Contact the Parish Office: Once you've completed the steps above, contact the Parish Office to schedule a date and time for your child's Baptism. Baptism ceremonies typically take place during weekend Masses.
Additional Information:
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Website: We encourage you to explore our website for further details about the Catholic faith and resources for raising a child in the faith.
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Contact Us: The Parish Office staff is always happy to answer any questions you may have. Feel free to reach out at ☏ 020 8698 3672 or ✉︎ catford@rcaos.org.uk.
We look forward to welcoming your child into the Holy Cross family and celebrating this momentous occasion with you.