BAPTISM

If you are from the parish speak to Fr Gary to organise the time with him; if you are bringing your own priest/deacon the available times are 1.30pm Saturday or Sunday – depending on availability.

If it is the baptism of their first child, the parents and godparents are required to attend a baptism instruction session on the Rite of Baptism. 

2004

• May 11th
• June 1st
• July 6th 
• July 27th
• Sept 7th
• Oct 5th
• Nov 9th
• Dec 7th 

Every baptised child must have at least one godparent. A godparent’s role is to support the child in the development of the Catholic faith. He or she is responsible for teaching and setting a good and holy example for the child on how to live the Catholic faith. Therefore, at least one godparent must be a Catholic who has been baptised and confirmed, and ideally currently practising, i.e. regularly attending Mass and receiving the other sacraments, involved in a Catholic community. Non-Catholic Christians who serve as an important support to the faith life of the child may be considered as Christian witnesses. Regardless, at least one godparent must be Catholic. If a godparent is not able to be present at the baptism for whatever reason, then someone else may stand in as a proxy witness during the ceremony.

CANDLE

On the day of baptism, the parents usually provide a special baptism candle, which is sometimes decorated with the name of the child and the date of baptism. The candle signifies the light of faith which will illumine the child throughout his or her life.

WHITE GARMENT

After baptism, the child is clothed in a white garment to signify spiritual purification. Many families have a baptismal garment heirloom, which is used generation after generation. Alternatively, some families provide a baptismal stole, unique to the occasion.