Sacrament of Baptism

Baptism is one of the most beautiful and foundational sacraments in the life of the Church. It is the doorway through which we enter into the life of grace and become members of the Christian community. The Catholic Church teaches that through Baptism, a person is spiritually reborn and united with Christ in His death and resurrection.

At its heart, Baptism is not simply a family tradition or a symbolic ritual. It is a sacred encounter with God’s saving love. Through the waters of Baptism, original sin is washed away, and the person is made a new creation in Christ.

In the celebration of the Sacrament of Baptism, the Church gathers in prayer, usually within a parish community. The priest or deacon welcomes the child or candidate and the family, and the community joins in professing the faith of the Church. The essential moment of Baptism takes place when water is poured over the head of the person (or they are immersed in water) while the minister says the words: “I baptise you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”

If you are looking to have your child baptised in one of our parish churches, please refer to the procedures and registration form below for further information and to begin the booking process.

Procedure for Baptism

Baptism Registration Form

Weddings

The wedding ceremony will express your belief that God will be with you to support you in your life together. For a wedding in the Catholic Church at least one of the couple must be a baptised Catholic.

Two ceremonies are available:

1. There is the wedding ceremony within the celebration of the Eucharist (often called a Nuptial Mass), where both parties are practising Catholics they normally choose the Nuptial Mass.
2. There is the wedding ceremony within a celebration of God’s Word. This ceremony does not include Holy Communion and is most often chosen by couples of different Christian traditions or mixed faith.

If you are planning to get married in one of our churches, you must make contact with the parish office at least 3months in advance to begin the paper work. There is a fee of $500 for the use of the church.

Funerals

Should you have suffered the death of a family member or close relative, our Parish community extends to you our deepest sympathy and the promise of our prayers.

ARRANGING A FUNERAL

At the time of a bereavement, it can be difficult to know where to turn for advice in arranging a funeral.

The first step you will need to take is to make contact with a Funeral Director and work with them. They will contact the parish to begin scheduling and other arrangements for the funeral. After these arrangements have been made, the Priest will make contact to organise a meeting with the family to prepare the order of service, choose readings and appropriate hymns.

CATHOLIC FUNERAL RITES

At a Catholic funeral the community gathers to say farewell to the person who has died and entrust that person to God’s loving care.

FUNERAL LITURGY

The Church always encourages the celebration of the Mass as the central part of the funeral rite. But when Mass cannot be celebrated, a funeral liturgy outside Mass can be celebrated at the Church or at the funeral home.

RITE OF BURIAL

The priest and the community accompany the deceased member to the final resting place where the rite of burial is celebrated – usually, beside the graveside or memorial chapel at a crematorium. The priest blesses the coffin with holy water, and the community finally lays the person to rest, thanking God for the wonderful gift of life.

It is good to discuss these options and your preferences with both the parish and the funeral director.