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Welcome to our parish and thank you for enquiring about your child's Baptism |
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SACRAMENTS EXPLAINED
A Sacrament uses signs that we can sense to tell us something about God's love and care for us, and about how this is shared with us in the Church. Baptism is the way that we formally and faithfully welcome a person into oneness with Jesus Christ and therefore, with His family, His Body, the Church here on earth today. Baptism is the first of the seven Sacraments of our Catholic Church. The main signs that we use in the celebration of Baptism are blessed water and oil, a white garment and a candle lit from the Pascal/Easter candle of Christ. This is accompanied by words, scripture and the signing with the cross.
ROLE OF PARENTS
Parents (normally) are the people who present their child to the Church for Baptism. With infants and young children, the Church proceeds to offer the gift of Baptism based on the faith of their parents. This faith is affirmed during the Baptism ceremony. The parents and god-parents commit to living and practising the Christian faith in full, and to pass on this practice to the child through their words, deeds, values and way of life. Although very young children do not understand the importance of this sacrament, it is important that they have opportunities to learn what it means to be Christian, and that once Baptised, they are part of the Church community.
ROLE OF GODPARENTS
Godparents are a vital part of every Baptism. They are people whom you choose to support you and your child on God's behalf. They are 'other parents', over the age of 16 years, who have been Baptised and Confirmed in the Catholic faith. There are usually two godparents, one of each gender, but there may be more if that is desired. Godparents are to be people who live the Christian faith within our Catholic tradition which is the tradition of faith into which your child will be Baptised. Please choose your godparents carefully as they will be with you, your family and your child for the rest of their lives. They will be active in supporting you and your child by friendship, word and example in living the gift of faith in Christ and His Gospel that Baptism celebrates and hands on.
BAPTISM PREPARATION
Baptism Preparation is held on the first Monday of the month in which your child is to receive Baptism. The Preparation Session is held at 7pm in St Oliver Punkett Church, Cannon Hill.
WELCOMING MASS
Families and friends are invited to attend a weekend Mass prior to Baptism so that they can be welcomed to the Parish community. The Welcoming Mass is held on the first Sunday of the month in which your child is to receive Baptism. Sunday morning Mass starts at 9.30am at St Oliver Plunkett Church, Cannon Hill and is followed by morning tea in the Parish Hall.
Families seeking Baptism to gather at 9.15am in the Church foyer to be greeted by the Priest.
FIRST STEPS
In preparation for your child's Baptism please complete the forms below. All of these forms are to be returned to the parish office. Once received, our parish secretary will then arrange a date suitable to both you and the Priest for your child's Baptism. Baptisms are held on the second and fourth Sundays of the month. An hour preparation session on the first Monday evening of that month is held with members of our parish and priest. Godparents are warmly welcomed to attend this meeting. Please take some time to discuss your responses with your partner. Consider not only the importance of Baptism, but each other's feelings and perspectives towards faith, and what connection to the Church you want for your family. Completing these questions will form the basis for a general discussion at the Baptismal preparation. Pleased be assured there are no right or wrong responses. May this experience draw you closer to Jesus and His way of living, and bind you more fully to His people, the Church.
Below are the forms that need to be completed. Please call the parish office Tuesday - Friday, 9.00am - 2.30pm to confirm the dates and then either scan and email (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.), post or bring the forms to the parish office.
- Family Information Mothers, please put both your maiden AND married names.
- Family Law This form MUST be signed by BOTH parents.
- Father This form is to be brought to the preparation session.
- Mother This form is to be brought to the prepration session.
Birth Certificate - Please attach a COPY of you child's Birth Certificate to the submitted forms.
A fee of $50.00 applies for this Sacrament.
This is to cover administrative and material costs.
Once the payment has been made please EMAIL a copy to:
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or add a PRINTED copy to the forms to be submitted.
Payment can be made online HERE
You will also be given an envelope in the package you will receive at the Preparation session. It is customary to make a cash donation to the Priest presiding at the Sacrament. We thank you in advance for this gift.
