Becoming a member of the Body of Christ - the Church
Baptism is the first of the seven sacraments of the Catholic Church, and it marks the beginning of a person’s journey in to faith with God. It is one of the three Sacraments of Initiation. In some denominations this Sacrament is referred to as Christening. Literally making Christ-like.
Through Baptism we become members of Christ, and we are welcomed into the Church.
They now share in the rights and responsibilities of the Church.
It is traditional in the Roman Catholic Church that parents bring their children to Baptism. The parents participate in a formation programme so that they understand their role as the 'first educators of faith'.
Adults interested in Baptism are walked with through the process of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, often referred to as RCIA.
Find out more about why Catholics baptise infants.
Bringing a child forward for baptism is a wonderful gift a family bestows on a child. It also brings responsibility for supporting the child in their journey of faith and explained in this Information for families bringing infants forward for baptism.
Families are helped in this responsibility by the child's godparent/s. Only one is required and they have to meet certain requirements in order to ensure they can carry out their responsibilities. They have a particular role as Godparent.
** source; Auckland Diocese**
To download a baptism form, click here