Baptism is the beginning of a process of belonging to the Church. We know that children need time to grow and develop. The Catholic Church spaces the process of Christian Initiation over many years.
The Church is also conscious that your child will one day need to own for themselves’ what you do for them at Baptism.
Christian Initiation for children begins with the celebration of Baptism. Over the next eleven years your child will also celebrate First Reconciliation, First Eucharist and Confirmation which completes initiation into the Catholic Church.
Like all sacraments of the Church, baptism is a celebration for all, not just those immediately known to the candidate. Baptism is not a private family affair. It is the very business of the worshipping community which receives the newly-Baptised person into its midst.
It is in this community that your child will grow in and develop his or her relationship with God and celebrate the other sacraments which will complete his or her initiation into the Catholic Church (Reconciliation, Eucharist and Confirmation).
When Are Baptisms Held?
Baptism is normally celebrated during Mass on the First and Third Sunday of the Month at 12:00pm (noon) ceremony only, outside of Mass at St Benedict’s Church, Smithfield. These dates may be changed due to parish or liturgical celebrations.
Please contact the Parish Office to check the exact dates and availability before making family arrangements, booking reception venues, etc. Please note that we are not able to change dates to fit in with reception venue availability.
Parents and Godparents need to attend a Baptism Preparation session before the Baptism of their child can take place. This session looks at what the sacrament of Baptism is, the roles of parents, Godparents and the Christian community and how the sacrament will be celebrated during Mass. These take place the Tuesday before the Baptism at St. Benedict’s Shrine at 7:00pm
Please contact the Parish Office at least two months in advance for bookings and further information.
Videos on Baptism
During the baptism preparation meetings we often like to show two short videos. If some one is unable to come they can watch them below.