CATHOLIC PARISH OF SAINT MARY AND SAINT AUGUSTINE, STAMFORD
01780 762010
office.catholicstamford@dioceseofnottingham.uk
Baptisms
The Sacrament of Baptism
The Sacrament of Baptism provides the foundation for Christian living; it is the gateway to life with Jesus Christ. Through baptism a child comes to share in the very life of God through the gift of the Holy Spirit as s/he is freed from sin and reborn as a child of God. Through baptism we are claimed for Christ, are incorporated into His Church and made sharers in Christ’s mission. Baptism is the door through which access is also given to the other sacraments as we grow in our life in Christ.
The sacrament of Baptism is a serious matter and needs careful thought. The rite itself is quite explicit about the role and responsibility of parents, supported by Godparents, who wish to bring their child into the family of the Church through Baptism. In asking to have your child baptised you are accepting the responsibility of training him/her in the practice of the faith as part of the Church. It will be your duty to bring up your child to keep God’s commandments, as Christ taught us, by loving God and our neighbour.
To have your child baptised in the Church of St Mary & St. Augustine, Stamford:
• You must live within the boundaries of this parish. If you live in another parish but have a relationship with St Mary & St Augustine through attending here regularly and so wish to have your child baptised in this Church, then written permission must be sought from the Parish Priest of where you live.
• At least one of the Godparents must be a baptised Catholic over the age of 16, have received the Sacrament of Confirmation in the Catholic Church and be a practising Catholic: a firm believer, able and ready to help the newly baptised on the road to Christian life. Other Christians and Catholics who do not meet the criteria for Godparents may stand as Christian Witnesses in the ceremony.
• Baptisms take place on a Saturday at a time to be agreed.
• It is customary to make an offering on the occasion of Baptism.
Please download and complete the form below and return it to the Parish Office.