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
Congratulations on the birth of your child!
​We welcome your child, the newest member of our family, and we receive with joy this 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. There is no reason to be afraid. It is a special occasion of joy and gratitude to God for your child.
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 priests, they will encourage and support you in bringing your child to baptism as is appropriate.
Arranging the Baptism
If you wish to have your child baptised then please see one of our priests, at Mass at the weekend. Mass times are: 6pm on Saturday evening at English Martyrs and 11.15am and 5.00pm on Sunday at St Joseph.
This is an opportunity to introduce yourselves in person rather than just by email or phone. The priest will give you and information leaflet and enquiry form to complete, return this form completed and the priest will then 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.
Baptisms take place, ordinarily on Saturdays and Sundays and occasionally (upon request) within the Mass itself.