The birth of your child is a time of great excitement and a profound sense of wonder at the miracle of life. At the start of your child’s journey the BVI Catholic Parish puts at your disposal the resources of our Catholic Community and pledges to do everything in our power to help you in your role as Parents.

You are your child’s first teachers and as such part of your responsibility is the “handing on of the Faith”. Your Parish Family will do everything possible to assist you through our extensive religious education programme, youth groups, adult faith education and the many activities that are part and parcel of being part of our Parish Family.

Because we take seriously your responsibility of “handing on the Faith” and in many ways we see the faith journey as a partnership, you should be aware of the following before you ask the Church to baptise your child.

• There is nothing magical about baptism – at the heart of what we celebrate is our Faith. It makes no sense having your child baptised if your child will never see the inside of the Church again.

• The next step is to telephone the Parish Office and make an appointment with the Parish Priest. There is no rush in having your child baptised and the Church requires at least 5 weeks notice.

• While the ceremony is not long it is rich in symbolism. Your child needs to be dressed in white clothes but you do not need to purchase a baptismal gown. You must purchase a large white candle which will be used as the baptismal candle. This candle is important because it will be used again at your child’s Confirmation.

• As is tradition, your child will be christened with a Christian name. If you are having difficulty in choosing a name we have books in the Parish Office describing the lives of saints and other heroic Christians.

• Sponsors or Godparents are examples of faith and should play an important role throughout the journey of your child. You can have two Godparents. One of them must be a Catholic and member of this Parish Community.

• When you meet with the Priest you will be given an envelope which has details that need to be completed. They are required for the Parish Baptismal Register and should be returned to the Parish Office.