THE PARISH OF ST JOHN XXIII PRESTON
Join us at the Parish Church of St Joseph & the
Shrine Church of St Thomas of Canterbury & the English Martyrs
There are five districts of our parish incorporating five former parishes in Preston: St Augustine, St Ignatius, St Joseph, St Teresa and St Thomas of Canterbury & the English Martyrs
Baptism
“Holy Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit, and the door which gives access to the other sacraments. Through Baptism we are freed from sin and reborn as children of God; we become members of Christ, are incorporated into the Church and made sharers in her mission: “Baptism is the sacrament of regeneration through water in the word”
Catechism of the Catholic Church CCC 1213
Baptism is the Sacrament through which God introduces us to the Christian life. In Baptism we become children of God and followers of Christ. In Baptism a seed of faith is sown in us to grow strong and bear fruit. That seed is nourished by the example of other Christians and by the grace God gives us in the other Sacraments.
Following an ancient tradition, the Catholic Church baptises both adults and infants. Children are baptised because of the strength of their parents' and godparents' faith. Adults are baptised because of their own faith and desire to follow Jesus.
In most cases we are baptising 'a babe in arms' and so we are overjoyed to welcome your child, the newest member of our family of faith, your child is a precious gift of life from God. As parent(s) it is your duty to bring up your child in the practise of the Faith but, as a community, we are here to support you. During the Baptism ceremony and in the presence of the community of the faithful, you and the child’s Godparents will profess on behalf of your child the Faith of the Church. It is a responsibility you are accepting and expressing in the Faith and Tradition of the Catholic Church. If you are a little unsure of the teachings of the Catholic Faith and would like to use this opportunity to revisit the formation of your own faith, to nourish the seed of faith within you, do join us for our faith formation groups or speak to meet with our Parish Priest.
If you have left off having your child baptised in the months after birth and now see how essential Baptism is for eternal life, don't be anxious or worried in approaching our priest, he will encourage and support you in bringing your child to baptism as is appropriate.
If you are an adult now moved to follow Jesus Christ in His Church, this is wonderful and we look forward to accompanying you as to journey into the mystery of God's love for us and lived out in His Church. Your journey will be longer than an infant, and preparation differs to each person who presents themselves depending in their readiness.
Arranging the Baptism
If you wish to have your child baptised then please see Fr Etienne, at Mass at the weekend.
Mass times are: 6pm on Saturday evening and 11.15am and 5.00pm on Sunday all at St Joseph.
This is an opportunity to introduce yourselves in person rather than just by email or phone. Fr Etienne will give you and information leaflet and enquiry form to complete, return the completed form to Fr Etienne or the Parish Office and we will arrange to meet you.
At least one parent must be a baptised Catholic and you will normally need to be residing in the Parish or be regularly attending Mass in the Parish. If in doubt please come along and ask.