The Sacrament of Baptism. 

This information only applies to children under 14 years old. For baptism of persons aged 14 years or older please speak with the priest.

Frequently Asked Questions. 

When is Baptism celebrated? 

Baptism is normally celebrated in one of two contexts in our parishes: within the celebration of the Sunday Mass, or at a baptismal service, the date and time of which has been arranged with the Parish Priest.

Please note that sometimes other children may be baptised at the same ceremony. 

Must I/We be Catholic to have my baby baptised? Normally, at least one parent must be a Catholic to have their child Baptised in the Catholic Church.

 I/We am not married. Can my child be baptised?

 Yes. A child may be baptised so long as one parent is Catholic and there is a well-founded hope that they will be brought up in the practice of the Catholic Faith. If you have any questions about marriage in the Catholic Church, please ask the priest. 

What about Sponsors (Godparents)? 

The Church requires a ‘sponsor’ for the child, who is, in effect stating that he or she supports the parents’ request for baptism. They are also expected to play a role in supporting parents in bringing up the child, especially in the faith and religious practice. Church Law only requires one sponsor (godparent); however, most children have two - one godfather and one godmother. If you are thinking of having more than two sponsors, please ensure that the priest has agreed to this in advance, as he will want to know that any additional sponsors are serious about their faith and will want to establish what their contribution to the child’s religious upbringing will be.

At least one of the sponsors must be a confirmed and practising Catholic; but of course, both the sponsors must be Christian and will be expected to profess the Christian faith, in public, at the baptism ceremony with you. The minimum age for godparents is 16 years. Please ask the prospective godparents to read this information before they accept your invitation so that they are aware of their responsibilities and duties.

Since the role of sponsor is an important one, please do not try to please friends or relatives in your choice, but rather choose a sponsor for your child who can genuinely support you in your role as Christian parents, and, later, can journey with your child as they live-out a relationship with God. Also, please note that there is only a limited amount of space in the church registers for godparents to be included; therefore asking too many will lead to some not being recorded as such. 

How do I request Baptism? 

Before doing anything else, firstly, come to one of the Saturday evening/Sunday morning Masses at The Blessed Sacrament or St Maria Goretti (Mass times are listed at the end of these F.A.Q’s) and afterwards talk to the Priest about it.

Once you have talked with the Priest, he will give you a Baptismal Registration form which you should complete and return to the church in which the Baptism is to take place. The form includes details about the child, parents, godparents and home address: please ensure that, where appropriate, the details you give match those given to the Registrar of Births. If you have any queries about this, or are not sure what to actually write-down, then please ask the priest. The information you provide will only be used for Church purposes and is not passed on to third parties. Any venues you might book for parties etc. in the meanwhile are at your own risk if a date for baptism has not been confirmed by the priest.

Can I choose any name?

You may not choose a name ‘alien’ to Christian sentiment. A Christian, biblical or saint’s name is normally included among those you choose. During the ceremony the family name (surname) is not mentioned, only ‘given’ names. 

What do I need for the ceremony?

You will need to bring along a white shawl, or similar garment, to wrap your child in during the service; this can be new or borrowed. A baptismal candle will be provided for you to keep. 

What about photographs?

Photography is normally permissible in church at the priest’s or deacon’s discretion, but the ceremony should not be interrupted by excessive movement, equipment noise or the use of camera flashes: it is also usually possible to pose around the font after the ceremony. Similarly, videoing the baptism must not interrupt the ceremony, and care should be taken to ensure that no children other than your own family members are recorded on film. Parents are asked to tell their guests if a video camera is to be used.

What about fees?

The Church charges no fee for administering the sacraments. However, it is customary for the parents to make a donation (approx. £30-£40) or to organise a collection for the Church on the occasion of the Baptism of their child. 

Where should Baptism take place?

Baptism should normally take place in the church in the parish where you live. If you are not from St Maria Goretti or The Blessed Sacrament parishes, you should consult your local priest in the first instance. With just reason, your priest can give permission for baptisms to happen in a place other than his parish. 

Welcome.

Baptism makes your child a member of these parish communities. If you regularly come to Mass and practise your faith, a baptism in the family is an occasion for a renewal of your own faith. If you have other children, it is a significant occasion for them and you can help them to understand that they too received this gift of grace and new life. If you have been away from the Church you will find, like so many others, that the occasion of your child’s baptism can become an opportunity to return to the practice of your faith. If you have any questions about deepening your own faith the priest will be pleased to help you.

Our Parish welcomes you

Thank you for reading this information. Baptism is the entry into the life of the Church, and the parish community would like to make this experience as special as possible. 

Vigil Masses: Saturday 5.30pm, (St Maria Goretti), 7.00pm, (Blessed Sacrament) Sunday Masses: 9.00am, (St Maria Goretti) 10:30am, (Blessed Sacrament) Postal Address for both Parishes: St Maria Goretti Presbytery, Gamull Lane, Ribbleton, Preston PR2 6SJ Telephone no for both Parishes; (01772) 700231. 

Sacraments of the Eucharist and Reconciliation. (1st Holy Communion & Confession).

Generally, children should be in at least Year 3 of Primary School and hopefully will be attending Sunday Mass regularly with the family – with one or both parents. Parents will be encouraged to attend Mass with their children and to participate in any meetings for parents. The preparation of the children usually takes place in Year 3 of our Primary Schools with some involvement of parents with their children at home. Arrangements can be made to help families whose children do not attend St Maria Goretti or The Blessed Sacrament Primary Schools. As part of the preparation programme there will be a service of Recollection at which the children will make their First Confession. The children will normally make their First Holy Communion in May.

The Sacrament of Confirmation.

Confirmation is generally celebrated by the Bishop every two to three years, though Confirmation is possible at other times. When Confirmation is to take place, it will be announced through the parish bulletin and at Corpus Christi Catholic High School. There will always be a time of preparation before Confirmation in which candidates must participate. 

The Sacrament of Marriage.

Please see the Priest after Mass or contact us via email. You should contact us at least nine months prior to the proposed marriage date. Please note that if neither party has residency in the parish, the pre-marriage paperwork and preparation should be done in the home parish of the Catholic party. For those who do not live in the area, please contact your local Register office for more details regarding civil formalities.