Through Baptism we are adopted into God’s family, becoming members of Christ’s Mystical Body, the Church. Baptism leaves an ‘indelible’, or permanent spiritual mark on our soul – one of belonging to Christ.

The first Christians accepted the faith as adults, but were determined that their children should receive the new life which they themselves had embraced, as soon as possible. In the Catholic tradition, therefore, children are Baptised soon after birth, ‘within the first few weeks’, to welcome them into the Church. Baptism is a Sacrament of great joy, our first encounter with the Lord.

The Chaplains are always pleased to meet parents seeking Baptism for their child in the Cathedral. It is required that there should be a ‘well-founded hope’ that the child will be brought up in the Catholic faith. Baptisms take place on Saturdays at 11.30am and 1.30pm in the Cathedral. Alternative times may be arranged for Baptisms at Sacred Heart Church, Horseferry Road SW1P 2EF.

Infants should have a sponsor, and may have two sponsors (one male, one female). The sponsor should not be less than 16 years old, and must be a Baptised, Confirmed and practising Catholic. The father or mother may not act as the child’s sponsor. If a child is the first to be born in a family, the parents and, desirably, the godparents will be invited to attend a session of Baptism Preparation.

If you are an adult and have never received the Sacrament of Baptism, please visit our Becoming a Catholic page.