Baptism Registration Process

Parents wishing to have their child baptised are requested to lodge the Online St James Baptism Application Form.

Alternatively you can phone the Baptism Co-ordinators, Jacinta and John Fisher on 0438 793 630 with the following information:

• Your name
• Phone number/s
• Street address
• The time frame: when you are next available, and
• The specific date or month you are hoping for.

Baptism Preparation Evening

The parents of a child who is to be baptised, and those who are to undertake the office of godparent, are to be suitably instructed on the meaning of the sacrament and the obligation attached to it. Participation in our Baptismal Preparation Class for parents is a requirement before a baptism can be scheduled. 

This session is held on the 1st Thursday of the month at St James the Apostle Church commencing at 7:00pm.

We hope this session will give parents an even greater appreciation of this sacrament and will present them with suggestions on how to pass on the beliefs and values of the Catholic Church to their children. Godparents are also invited to attend so that they too may prepare for the celebration of this sacrament.

When you arrive to the meeting we will provide you with a Baptism Offering envelope. Your donation can be placed in this envelope and given to the Baptism Team at the end of the evening. Typically, donations of $150 or more are given.

Godparents and Christian Witness Requirements

•      The choice of godparents is important. Ideally, a godparent represents the Catholic Church at Baptism. Together with the parents, they serve as the role model for the child by living a fully Christian life, providing a life-long example of Christian living and encouraging the child in the experience of our Catholic faith. The godparents should be people whose faith lends itself to this living example.

•     According to Canon Law, godparents should be at least 16 years of age, practicing Catholics and should be fully initiated into the Catholic Church – that is, they have received the sacraments of Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation – and be living a life in harmony with the Catholic faith. One godparent, male or female, is sufficient but there may be two or more. Another person, a baptised Christian, may witness the baptism along with the Catholic godparent.

On behalf of the Baptism Preparation Team:     

•    John Fisher – Coordinator
•    Jacinta Fisher
•    Lee-Ann Baatjies
•    Kath Hudson
•    Chris Innocenzi
•    Gilbert Menezes
•    Angela Struthers