BAPTISMS

According to canon law, “Parents are obliged to see that their infants are baptised within the first few weeks. As soon as possible after the birth, indeed even before it, they are to approach the parish priest to ask for the sacrament for their child, and to be themselves duly prepared for it” (Code of Canon Law, can. 867 §1).

Those wishing to have their child baptised should please contact Oratory House and ask to speak to the priest on duty (see Hours of Duty below). All subsequent meeting, bookings and arrangements will be done through him, so please make a note of his name! He will ask to meet with you before the baptism in order to explain the nature of the sacrament and the responsibilities which flow from it, and to make parents familiar with the rite of baptism.

Normally baptisms take place in the parish where a family is resident. If you do not live in the Oratory parish but have a good reason for wanting to have your child baptised here then please explain that to the priest on duty. In such cases your own parish priest will need to give permission for the baptism to take place at the Oratory.

The choice of godparents (sponsors), who are to help the baptised to live a good Christian life and faithfully to fulfil the duties inherent in baptism, is an important one. “There is to be only one male sponsor or one female sponsor or one of each” (Code of Canon Law, can.  873). A godparent must be a Catholic of not less than sixteen years of age, who has been confirmed and who lives a life of faith that befits the role to be undertaken. A baptised person who belongs to a non-Catholic ecclesial community may be admitted in company with a Catholic sponsor as a Christian witness.

Hours of Duty

It is preferable to come to the House in person rather than to telephone.

Monday-Friday: 9.30am-12.00pm; 3.00pm-5.30pm.
Saturday: 9.30am-12pm; 3.00pm-5.30pm.