"Holy Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit (vitae spiritualis ianua), 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." Cathechism of the Catholic Church(paragraph 1213)

The time and place to celebrate

The preferred time and place for Baptisms is during one of the Weekend Masses-

Holy Rosary: Saturday 6.00 pm, Sunday 7.00 am
St Mary's: Sunday 9.00 am
St James': Sunday 7.00 am
St Patrick's: Sunday 9.00 am

Celebrating with a Community expresses most fully that your child is being welcomed into the family of Jesus, the Church.

Sometimes there may be a serious reason why Baptism cannot be celebrated at a Weekend Mass. It is still preferred that Baptism take place on a Sunday - The Lord's Day, the Day of the Resurrection.

In this case, Baptism is celebrated at Holy Rosary Church on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of the month at 10.30 am, with a Lay Celebrant, and as many people as the parents can gather. Baptism is celebrated at St Patrick's at 10.30 am, with a Lay Celebrant, on 2nd and 3rd Sundays of the month.

We prefer to keep the season of Lent free of Baptisms and celebrate them at Easter.

Preparation

Because Baptism is important, preparation is essential. It is strongly recommended that preparation takes place before the birth of your child. Four (4) weeks should be considered the minimum time allowed to complete the preparation.

There are two sessions:

• The First: With the Pastor by appointment (Phone 4151 6666 ). (The 'time and place' of the celebration will be confirmed after this appointment).
• The Second: With members of the Regional Baptismal Team. This session is at the Parish Office - First Sunday of each month 10.30 - 11.30 am; or third Wednesday of each month, 7.00 - 8.00 pm.

Both Parents, and if possible, the Godparents, should attend the second, if not both, sessions.

Age groups

Baptising infants

There are two principal reasons for baptising infants -

• The Parent/s - with the help of the Godparents - accept the serious duty of sharing thier faith with their child/ren.
• The Christian Community - Because of your commitment to the faith community, your child/ren will also learn from, be supported by, be encouraged to love the faith of the community into which your child is baptised.

Baptism is a community celebration not a private celebration

Baptising children (6 Yrs +)

Special provision needs to be made to allow 'older' children to participate actively in the celebration of their Baptism. If the children are old enough (8 yrs +), parents should be prepared to enrol them in the Parish Sacramental Programs to prepare for

• Reconciliation
• Confirmation
• Eucharist

Baptising Adolescents

Adolescents should prepare for initiation by participating in a modified R.C.I.A. Program. They are expected to make a more informed and personal decision about celebrating Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist.

Baptising Adults

Adults are prepared for Initiation into the Church through the R.C.I.A. Program - (The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults).

For more information please check with the Parish Office(4151 6666)

Exceptional circumstances

The Church stresses the importance of celebrating Baptism with the community and on the day of resurrection (Sunday). If parents believe that there are exceptional circumstances which require a departure from the above guidelines, these would need to be discussed with the Pastor.

Baptism in Hosptial

If a baby is baptised in hospital, and at a later date is able to go home, parents should contact the Parish Office to make arrangements to complete the celebration of welcoming the child into the community.