Baptism
Baptisms at St Mary’s
If you are considering Baptism of your child at St Mary’s Parish, the first step is to fill out a form at the Parish Office on a weekday between the hours of 9am and 3pm.
Should parents be residing within the boundaries of another Parish, a letter from the Parish Priest of that area, is needed for the Baptism to take place at St Mary’s Church, this is in line with the requirements of the Archdiocese of Melbourne.
Parents will need to appoint one or two Godparents. It is necessary for one to have received the Sacraments of Baptism, Eucharist, Reconciliation and Confirmation in the Catholic Church. The second Godparent can come from another Christian faith, but baptised into the Trinity.
Families need to decide upon the month of Baptism between January and November on the fourth Sunday, after the 10.30am Mass (11:45am).
Then we begin the formal preparation of families for the Baptism of their child or children. Please click here for Baptism Form
Please provide the following documents
· Copy of one parent’s baptism certificate.
· Copy of the child’s birth certificate
· Copy of one of the godparent’s baptism cetificate
St Mary’s baptismal program outline
1. Attendance at the Baptismal Meeting
This meeting takes place on the 2nd Tuesday of the month at 7pm in the Parish Meeting Room (Next to the office) It is expected that both parents will attend and if possible one or both Godparents.
2. The Welcoming Mass
On the 3rd Sunday of the month at the 10:30am Mass, your family is welcomed and asked to make a public request for Baptism. One of the front seats is reserved for the Baptismal families. During the mass the sign of the cross is traced on the child’s forehead by the celebrant, family members and a parishioner representing the parish family
3. Baptism Day- The fourth Sunday of the month after 10.30am Mass (11:45am)
The family gathers in the front pews of the Church. The Baptismal rite takes place after the Mass. Father will preside over the Baptism.
4. Adult Baptism
Adults requesting Baptism are invited to join the Rite of Christian Initiation group, that meet fortnightly on a Wednesday evening in the Parish Centre at 7pm, in the months leading up to Easter.