Baptism
Holy Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit and the door which gives access to the other sacraments. Through Baptism we are freed from sin and reborn as sons of God; we become members of Christ, are incorporated into the Church and made sharers in her mission: "Baptism is the sacrament of regeneration through water in the word."
Baptisms a Woodchester usually take place on Sundays, during the parish Mass or in the early afternoon after all the Masses are over. In most cases, the parish priest or deacon administers the sacrament, anointing the person being Baptised with oils, and pouring blessed water over the child or adult’s head not just once but three times.
The Baptism ritual is a participatory one, with all attendees rejecting Satan and professing their faith, with parents and of an infant and the godparents and immediate family members of the person being Baptised being a bit more involved.
Before the ceremony the parents (or individual) in the case of an adult) will be invited to participate in an informal course of education session to understand and prepare for the ceremony. At Woodchester this is given by lay catechist.