Baptism

As soon as Jesus was baptised he came up from the water, and suddenly the heavens opened and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming down on him. And a voice spoke from heaven, “This is my son, the Beloved; my favour rests on him.”

Matthew 3:16-17
Stained glass window of the baptism of Jesus from St. Edward’s Church

Baptism calls us to be people of light, faith, hope and love. Through Baptism we enter into a new life with Jesus Christ. We receive the Holy Spirit and become new people, born again in relationship with God the Father in heaven and as part of the body of Christ, the Church, united as family in the community of God.

Baptismal Preparation Programme

Contacts: Fr. Gregory 01536 512497 email: parish.stedwardkettering@northamptondiocese.org

Preparation Classes Rota List: Ann Machell; Siobhaun Loom; Maureen Everington

Meeting: Both parents of the child are invited to group meetings in the Presbytery at 8.00pm on the 2nd Wednesday of each month after arranging a date and time for the Baptism with one of the Parish priests.
Parents (both catholic and non-catholic) are guided through the service, receiving an explanation of not only the practicalities but the religious significance of the parts of the Sacrament. Parents learn about being ‘the domestic church’ and the first teachers of their children in religious belief and practice, with a discussion on how this can be accomplished. The activities and groups in the parish and the wider community are discussed (this is particularly important for newcomers). The Union of Catholic Mothers send the children a baptismal card from the parish.

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA)

Contacts: Fr. Gregory 01536 512497 email: parish.stedwardkettering@northamptondiocese.org; Rose Stokes 01536 460909.
Parish Group Page: http://www.stedwardskettering.org.uk/community/rcia
Website: http://www.rcia.org.uk/
An exploration of the Catholic faith, the process of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults has its roots in the very earliest days of the Church, when communities were anxious to pass on their new found faith in Jesus to others. This RCIA course is open to all who would like to know more about the Catholic faith, especially those who are considering becoming a Catholic (whether a baptised Christian or not). The course is also suitable for active or non-practising Catholics who wish to explore their faith in more depth.

The course is delivered in one evening session per week over several months. For those who feel ready this may lead up to being received into the Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil.

Topics explored in depth using the Catechism, scripture and other accepted sources will include: Old and New Testaments; the Trinity; the lives of Jesus and Mary; sin and forgiveness; Baptism and Confirmation; the Eucharist; marriage, death and resurrection.

If you would like to help with this course by attending as a potential sponsor for the catechumens/ candidates and/or to assist with faith sharing or to be a prayer partner from home (especially suitable for the housebound) please contact Rose Stokes 01536 460909.