Baptism

Why does the Church baptise children?

From the very beginning, the Church has always baptised children as well as adults. Our Lord said: “Unless a person is reborn in water and the Holy Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.” This means that children should not be deprived of Baptism. Children are precious to Jesus. He loves them dearly. He wants to save them by giving His blessings to them as they grow up in the spiritual family. We experience the Church and belong to the Church in our local Parish. It is there that we gather to worship God and to learn together about the ways of God. So Baptism takes place in our Parish Church for it is there that the Parish family gather.

Is “Christening” the same as “Baptism”?

The word “Baptism” means washing or cleansing in water. It comes from the Greek language. In the Church, Baptism does not mean just ordinary washing or bathing with water. It has a sacred meaning. Baptism always means the washing with water that has the spiritual meaning given to it by Jesus Christ, the Son of God. That is why it is also called CHRISTENING but more correctly it is called the Sacrament of BAPTISM.

What to bring?

It is traditional to wear a White garment for the Sacrament of Baptism. Families are asked to provide a Baptismal candle for each child which will symbolise receiving the Light of Christ.

How do I choose the Godparents?

To be a child’s godparent is an honour and a privilege. It means that the parents want this person to be an influence for good on their child; to be a good example; to be a guardian and helper “in the things of the Holy Spirit and of faith”. For this reason, a godparent should be a Catholic over 16 years of age, who has received the Holy Eucharist and who lives a life of faith. A Christian person who is not Catholic may also be chosen, although they are what is known as a “Christian witness” and not a godparent strictly speaking.

Steps to take

Make contact with the Parish Office and submit the completed form, or hand it in to the Parish Office. Arrangements will be made to include you in the next Baptism Preparation Class.

Note:

If you live outside our parish boundary and do not worship within St John the Baptist Parish, you should have your child baptised in your local Parish. If you wish to have your child baptised in St John the Baptist Parish, you should obtain a letter of permission from your home Parish (wherever you are currently living) for the Baptism to be celebrated here. This should be forwarded to us in good time before you arrive.

What is the spiritual meaning of Baptism?

When a child is baptised by the Church, Jesus baptises that child. He sends the Holy Spirit into that child. The Holy Spirit makes this child a child of God. No man or woman can do that. Only God can make someone His son or daughter. God does this in the Sacrament of Baptism, and that is why we should ensure that our children are baptised.

When is the right time to baptise my child?

We hold a Baptism preparation by appointment. Please contact the Parish Office for further details.

When is the Sacrament of Baptism celebrated?

Baptism is normally celebrated in this Parish on the First Sunday and Third Sunday of each month at 11.00am at St John the Baptist Church.  This means that sometimes there are several children to be baptised in the same ceremony. This is the ideal. We are always open to discussing with you if it is better for you to celebrate the Baptism on another Sunday. The Parish Priest would be very happy to discuss with you.

Enrolment / Further Information

To enrol your child for Baptism, please complete the online Infant Baptism enrolment form below. You will then receive an email from the Parish Secretary to confirm the time and arrangements.  Should you wish to speak with someone please call 02 4341 1073.

Contact form

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