Welcoming New Members to Our Faith Community

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 world.” (Catechism of the Catholic Church 1213)

Baptism is the first sacrament. It incorporates us into the Church and through it, we are ‘reborn’ as daughters and sons of God. Baptism is performed by the pouring of water and the words ‘I baptise you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit’. Parents who ask to have their children baptised accept the responsibility of training them in the practice of the faith and bringing them up to keep God’s commandments. You will need to meet with Father Dariusz and attend the Baptism preparation session. Download the Baptism application form and email it to the Parish office. The child and family will be introduced to the community at a Mass prior to the celebration of the Sacrament.

FAQ about the Sacrament of Baptism

• What is baptism?

  Baptism is a holy sacrament during which an infant or newly converted Catholic is blessed with holy water and chrism oil, and then welcomed into the Catholic Church. Most often, baptism takes place during Catholic Mass, or as its own, separate ceremony before or after Mass.

• Water

  This is for cleansing and is a sign that our sins are washed away. Baptism cleanses us of original sin with which we are all born and, in the baptism of adults, of every sin committed prior to baptism. Water is also necessary for life and so is a sign, too, that the life of the risen Christ is ours.

• Sign of the cross

  A sign on something shows its origin and ownership. The sign of the cross is the mark of Christians for Jesus Christ died on the cross. Parents and godparents trace it on the child’s forehead to show that the baby belongs to Christ, who now offers his help and grace to face and overcome the sufferings of life.

• Oil of Baptism / Chrism

  The Oil of Baptism is olive oil rubbed on the breast of the baby, just as athletes used to rub themselves with oil to strengthen and prepare for the fight ahead. The Oil of Chrism is a mixture of olive oil and balsam (sweet-smelling ointment) and is rubbed on the crown of the head. It is a sign of sealing with the gifts of the Holy Spirit. The profession of faith which you make on behalf of your child at baptism will later be confirmed personally by your child in the sacrament of confirmation when the Oil of Chrism will be used again. The oils are blessed during holy week by the bishop in St Mary’s Cathedral in Sydney, Australia.

• White Chrism

  This garment recalls the new clothes worn by Christians after baptism in the first centuries. It is a sign of innocence and the new life of resurrection.

• Baptismal candle

  Symbolizes Christ — the Light of the World. The baptismal candle is lit from the paschal candle, which stands near the altar at Easter as a sign of the risen Christ. The baptismal candle reminds us that the light of Christ has entered the child’s life; and its flame symbolizes the flame of faith which will burn through the life of the child.

• Baptismal Register

  Your baby’s baptism will be recorded in the parish Baptismal Register. In the years ahead proof of baptism may be obtained in the form of a certificate issued on the basis of this registration. Your child’s confirmation, marriage or ordination will also be noted alongside this entry in the register.

• What happens during the Baptism?

  The family will gather around the Baptism font, which holds the water used for Baptism. The priest or deacon asks the parents what name they have given to their child and what do they ask for their child and they reply, “Baptism”. Later, the parents make Baptism promises on behalf of their child. These promises are based on the Apostles Creed.

• How soon should I have my baby baptized?

  The Church encourages Catholic families to have their children baptized as soon as possible after birth not to deprive the child of the fundamental importance of baptism. If there is any danger of death the baby must be baptized immediately (Code of Canon Law 867.2) and anyone can baptize by pouring water over the head of the baby. At the same time saying the words: “I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit ”
  The date of the baptism will depend partly on the mother’s health for it is important that she is present; and partly on the time needed for the preparation of the parents (Code of Canon Law 867.1). This is why it’s a good idea to inform the priest before the birth that you want to have your child baptized.
  If you have experienced some difficulties with the practice of your faith it may be helpful to allow a little longer in order to clarify your own beliefs and to rebuild a life of faith within your family.

• Does the name 'has to be' a Saint's name?

  In the first few centuries of the Church the custom grew up of changing one’s name at baptism to express some Christian idea, such as  Irene (which means peace), In succeeding centuries, the Church advised the parents to call their children after a saint.
  In choosing baptismal names parents should keep in mind the thought that the child will bear these names throughout life. They should be careful to avoid names or combinations which will subject the bearer to ridicule. Nicknames should not be given in baptism.
  Making more Christian names available will increase our knowledge of the great number of saints and holy persons who have given glory to God by their exemplary lives. By assuming these names we honor these persons and through them almighty God, the Source of all their goodness and virtue. Such names are certainly more becoming to members of the human race redeemed by Christ Jesus than the names of pagan gods trees, flowers and places.

• Can I or my baby be re-baptized?

  Baptism is a once-in-a-lifetime event. It means that we become a member of God’s family; we become a Christian. We cannot become what we already are. The baptism can’t be repeated but it is desirable that you have a celebration in church and share the prayers and blessings which are part of the baptismal ceremony. You may also wish to appoint godparents at the same time. Such a service is a lovely “thanksgiving” for the safety and well-being of your baby.

• What happens to a baby that died without being baptized?

  The baby is entrusted to the mysterious but infinitely kind and powerful love of God. If anyone has any doubts about such love, then contemplate the crucifix. The cross proves that God’s love is greater than any human mind can understand or follow.
  Jesus told us that “unless a man is born through water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God”. (John 3: 5) At times this has led people to suggest that unbaptized infants pass into a state of “limbo” – where the baby is excluded from both heaven and hell. Such a suggestion however, misses the whole point of God’s love: for loves us from the moment of conception. It is clear that very many who are unbaptized receive God’s Spirit and so are welcomed into the kingdom of God. God shares his life with us in various ways – of which baptism is the most important sign.

• Can a person be baptised twice?

  It is through the Sacrament of Baptism that we enter into the Christian life. Baptism is the “gateway to life in the Spirit and the door which gives access to the other Sacraments” (Catechism of the Catholic Church #1213).

• What if my child is no longer a baby?

  Baptism for a child under 7 years of age is a straightforward matter. If a child is over 7 years then there is an expectation that the child, accompanied by his or her parent(s), would undergo instruction as the child is now old enough to be able to understand what is happening and what baptism means for him or her. This will be discussed with you at the time of booking, and following an interview with our Parish Priest.

• What if parent(s) aren’t Catholic?

  It is not uncommon for parents who aren’t baptised Catholic themselves to want this for their child. An interview with our Parish Priest would be required before the baptism were to proceed, but please do not feel intimidated as it is merely the platform for you to express your desire for a Catholic upbringing for your child.

• Does a child of non-married parents be baptised?

  All that the Church requires is that the parents undertake to do their best to bring the child up as Catholic. Provided that there is a well-founded hope that the child will be brought up as Catholic, the child may be baptised. Does their not being married affect their willingness or ability to give a child a catholic upbringing? During the preparation for baptism the parents might be asked to consider this. Nothing is said on the baptismal certificate about the status of the parents. Sometimes a confidential note is made in the parish baptismal register.

• Do parent(s) and godparent(s) need to attend Education Class?

  Parents are required to attend education class that is taking place once a month at Second Saturday of the month at 10am in Parish Centre, and to conclude online course prior to the presentation and birth of their child in the church. All godparent(s) and witnesses are welcome and encouraged to attend the education class and online course as well.

• When is the Presentation Ceremony?

  After completing the Baptism preparation Session, you are invited to present your child to the Parish. This will take place at 9am Mass on any Sunday of the month and you are warmly invited to join us for the Morning Tea afterwards.

• Can parent(s) choose the day of baptism?

  Choose if you would like to have the baptism of your child “Baptism within Mass” or “Baptism outside Mass”. You need to state this on the Baptismal Form. You may choose baptism on same date as the date of Presentation Ceremony. However, you may choose another Sunday but this must be after Presentation Ceremony. On some occasion you may choose Saturday morning or other time but this must be after the Presentation Ceremony.

• What are the requirements for godparents?

  Godparents play a very important role in your child’s spiritual life. They assist the child in leading a Christian life and in faithfully fulfilling the obligations that follow from their baptism. Godparents must serve as an example of how to live the Catholic faith as the Church teaches us. They support not only the child but also the parents of the child. Godparents also stand as a representative of the larger Church community. Therefore, being a godparent is not only an honour but a solemn responsibility. They should be chosen with care. The Catholic Church sets forth the following requirements for godparents:

  • There must be at least one catholic godparent.
  • Godparent(s) must be practicing Roman Catholics who:
  • Are at least 17 years of age and mature enough to understand, accept, and carry out the duties proper to a godparent.
  • Have received the Sacraments of Initiation – Baptism, Holy Eucharist and Confirmation.
  • Are in good standing with the Church.
  • If non-Catholic may be chosen as a witness (not as a godparent) provided that the other sponsor qualifies as a Catholic godparent.
  • Godparents may be represented by proxies if they are unable to attend the ceremony. Those standing in as proxies must fulfil the same requirements as godparents.

• What if the godparent cannot be present for the Baptism?

  If the godparent cannot be present in person, he or she may appoint another person to serve as a proxy… Ordinarily the appointment of the proxy should be made by the godparent in writing or before two witnesses, in order that there be certainty as to who is the responsible person.

• Can the baptismal record be changed?

  The Baptism will be recorded in the permanent records of whichever parish the Baptism takes place and they cannot be changed. Therefore, please be sure of the accuracy of information and the spelling of names, and write clearly and distinctly. Records will serve as the official place of record for all future sacraments, including marriage. Please submit this form as soon as possible to reserve your date and time.

• When will we receive the baptism certificate?

  A Baptismal certificate will be given to you on the day of your child’s Baptism. Later, whenever a baptismal certificate may be needed, it will be reproduced from the parish records.

• What should the baby wear?

  A white Christening clothing is required. The clothing is worn so that it should be loose enough at the neck to allow anointing of the child’s chest.

• Do parents need Candle(s)?

  Parents need to provide a Baptismal candle and parents need to keep it as a reminder of this joyous occasion. The candle can be burned on Baptismal anniversaries and when the child receives other sacraments in the future.

• Can the photos or videos be taken during ceremony?

  Photographs and videos are encouraged at the ceremony. These are excellent ways of sharing the memory of this joyous occasion.

• Is there a donation?

  There is no fee, however, families are encouraged to offer a donation towards the priest on the occasion of their child’s baptism. This fund is the source of financial support for the priests of the archdiocese and therefore any contributions thereto would be much appreciated. Please place it in an envelope marked with the child’s name and the date of the Baptism.

• What should the baby wear for the baptism?

  A white garment is an ancient sign of the newly baptized Christian’s new life in Christ. Your child’s baptismal garment need not be a traditional baptismal or christening gown; it can be any clothing that is mainly white.

Please contact the Parish Office to learn more or email