Baptism is the first sacrament of initiation, a joyous celebration welcoming a precious child into the family of the church.  Whilst the birth of a child can often be the compelling event that brings many Christian adults back to their church community after a period of absence, during Baptism it is the parent’s faith that speaks on behalf of their child, too young to have explicit faith of their own. As Baptism catechists, we feel it’s an honour to meet parents at this special time in their lives.

Procedure for Baptism at Parish of the Holy Family:

1. FORM: Parents are asked to contact the parish office or email etd@abdiocese.org.uk for a baptism form and are required to complete an online course (link below) and also attend an in-person Baptism Welcome Evening  
2. ONLINE COURSE: The Baptism Preparation Course is accessed remotely for a small fee (price in US$) https://ascensionpress.com/collections/belonging-baptism-in-the-family-of-god/products/belonging-baptism-in-the-family-of-god-certification-course This engaging and thought-provoking course is then completed individually and conveniently at home and at your own pace. A certificate is issued. We ask that you e mail this certificate to the Parish office upon completion. Once the certificate and form are received you will be booked onto a First Steps in Faith evening and can arrange a baptism date
3. IN PERSON EVENING: Attend one of our Baptism Welcome evenings, which are held on set dates bi-monthly 7:30pm for 8pm start. This evening is a group event, offering the opportunity to meet other families at a similar age and stage. A sociable evening, we discuss some of the themes raised in the online course, offer some practical advice for the sacrament. We encourage and actively gather parental feedback of the courses completed.
4. CELEBRATE THE BAPTISM: with family and friends at one of our monthly baptism services at either of our Churches (Our Lady of Lourdes, Thames Ditton or Church of the Holy Name, Esher)

We want you to feel welcomed and supported especially during this time with young children that can sometimes be rather isolating for many. Further small ‘Steps’ parents of young children can join to feel part of our joint community include:   

• Community Café and Playgroup at OLOL on a Friday morning
• Weekly Children’s Liturgy at either Church on a Sunday morning