Baptism

One of the seven Sacraments of the Catholic Church.

A Gift from God for our Salvation; Baptism is one of the "three" Sacraments of Christian Initiation - Baptism, Confirmation and the Eucharist.

If you would like to have your child baptised at St Robert's, please speak to the priest after Mass. Note that we cannot arrange baptisms over the telephone nor by email.

Baptisms at St Robert’s, Harrogate

'In Baptism, God purifies us, heals our heart, makes us forever his children, his people, his family, heirs to paradise.' Pope Francis

Firstly, it is a joyful thing for parents to approach the parish for baptism for their child. Their child is, first and foremost, being baptised into the parish community although it is, of course, a great time of celebration for their family as well, who may see this as a way of welcoming them into their own family too.

Consequently, baptisms at St Robert’s take place during the context of Sunday Mass in the presence of the parish community. A number of children/babies are baptised together in the Mass as they come forward for baptism. If more far flung members of the family cannot be present or are on holiday on the day of the baptism, we would suggest a family celebration at another date. Individual baptisms cannot be arranged in these circumstances.

You do need to be a practising member of St Robert’s parish to make the application. If this is the case, then please register interest with the parish office by taking one of the forms at the back of the church for completion. If not, have a chat with Fr Simon after Mass.

Baptism Dates

The next baptism Mass will be at 11am on Sunday 29th June and the date of the seminar for parents will be Sunday 22nd June at 10am in the parish centre.

The Baptism Seminars are designed to help prepare parents for the baptism of their child. All parents who apply to have their child baptised will be expected to attend the course which will not last more than 30 minutes.

Applications for infant baptism are available at the back of the church, to the right of the main door. Please note that it is not possible to arrange baptism over the ‘phone or by email.

Baptism and Salvation

The Lord teaches us through Scripture that Baptism is necessary for our salvation. "Amen, Amen, I say to thee, unless a man be born again of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God."

Jn. 3:5

St. Gregory Nazianzus

"Baptism is the means by which we become children of God and heirs to His kingdom. Baptism is God's most magnificent gift We call it gift, grace, anointing, garment of immortality, bath of rebirth, seal and most precious gift. It is called gift because it is conferred on those who bring nothing of their own; grace since it is given even to the guilty, baptism because sin is buried in water, anointing for it is priestly and royal as are those who are anointed; enlightenment because it radiates light; clothing since it veils our shame bath because it washes; and seal as it is our guard and the sign of God's Lordship."