Baptism
Baptism: The First of Many
Sacraments
Welcome to St Paul Apostle
Parish, and the celebration of this First Sacrament with your new child.
We hope you find support, friendship and faith with us over the coming years.
Baptism is a family
affair. In Baptism, children begin their Initiation into the Church, their new
family. We prepare families to celebrate Baptism at St Paul Apostle
Parish. The Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist introduce us
into the faith of our Christian Community.
If you wish to have your child baptised, we ask you to firstly speak to one of our priests after Mass about your wishes.
Baptism Preparation
Parents are required to
attend a preparation session. Along with the parents, it is good if the
godparents can attend the preparation session. This is a time when we will
help you focus on this first Sacrament you are presenting your child for.
You will have the opportunity to:
·
meet other parents presenting their
children for baptism
·
share your hopes and dreams for
your child and family;
·
discover what will happen at the
Baptism.
·
Learn a little more about our
parish family and the ways you can be more involved.
The preparation will go
over the ceremony in full and help you to understand the symbols used in Baptism
and your part in the ceremony. It also gives you the chance to ask any
questions you may have. At this Session, you will be given a Sacrament Stole
and directions on how to personalise it for your child. Preparation
sessions are held on the 3rd Sunday of the month in the Parish Office from
3.45-5.00pm.
Godparents
At least one godparent
must be a Confirmed Catholic. The others at least should be Baptised
Christians. Godparents are chosen to help the parents. They are called to
represent what ought to be the concern of the whole church that the baptised
child be brought up in the ways of faith. You should choose godparents
whose way of life expresses Christian commitment and can inspire and strengthen
your child. It is hoped that the relationship between the child and his/her
godparents will be fostered, especially during the formative years of life.
Rite of
Welcome
On the last Sunday of the
month before Baptism, the parents present their child to the Community at one
of the Masses. This is the Rite of Welcome and Blessing, the first part
of the Baptism Ceremony. Please advise the Parish Office which Mass you will
attend in advance. On the day, please go to the Sacristy 10 minutes before
Mass and introduce yourself to the Priest.
Celebration
of Baptism
Baptisms are usually
celebrated on the 1st and 2nd Sunday of the month at 12.30pm. A link to the Baptism registration form is
provided below. Please
contact the Parish Office before choosing the Baptism date and completing the form,
as we have a limited number for each Baptism service.
It is customary for the family to make an offering at the time of
Baptism; -suggested donation is $50-$100 to be included with the Registration Form.
A
Prayer for Your Child
God,
who is both Father and Mother,
bless our child who is a precious gift of life from you,
given into our care.
Bless her/him with
peace.
May
he/she grow in a world of love, acceptance and affirmation.
May he/she always remember that you call her/him by name
and walk with her/him always.
As
the first teachers of our child,
may we teach her/him about you,
a God who is always loving and always a friend,
about living in love and harmony with others,
and about the care for our earth.
Amen.
Sacramental Initiation of Children
Children are initiated into the Catholic Community through several steps or sacraments over a period of 12-13 years. From the time of Baptism, children are influenced by the lived faith and life of their parents, and their practice of personal and family prayer, together with their participation in the sacramental, liturgical and social of the parish community. The parish supports this with a Family Based Sacrament Program. Children are presented to the Community at a Sunday Mass, when they Register for the Sacrament. They are given their work materials for home use, then come together with other Children for a Workshop Day at the parish.