Baptism
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At least one parent must be a baptised Catholic. We may ask for evidence of Catholicity.
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The family will be resident in the parish.
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Baptisms are by appointment only. A minimum of 6 months’ notice is normally required.
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Baptisms takes place on a specified date once a month and it will be shared between two families.
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The emails of both families will be exchanged as both families may wish to consult with one another.
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If you have a particular date in mind, we may not be able to accommodate your wish. However, anyone who cannot partake in the ceremony in person can watch the service on live stream via Churchservices.tv.
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Before a baptism date can be agreed, parents must attend a Baptism Preparatory session unless they have previously attended a session.
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We cannot give you any information as to which date you can choose till you have completed your preparatory session. (Please let us know if you already had a prep session when your other child/children were baptised at St James.)
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Face masks should be worn by adults during the ceremony.
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It is customary to make an offering to the Church for its maintenance. A minimum of £60 is suggested.
Godparents:
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Prior to inviting someone to assume the role of godparent it is important to understand what the Catholic Church teaches.
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The child must have at least one practising Catholic godparent.
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Canon Law states that a child may have one or two godparents, who must be able and willing to profess their faith during the rite of Baptism and ready to model a Catholic Christian lifestyle.
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A non-baptised person may not be a godparent though they may take part in the service in others ways, e.g. doing the reading.
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A godparent must be at least sixteen years of age.
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Parents may be asked to provide evidence of Catholicity for a godparent.