Baptism

Baptism for children under 7

Baptisms for children under 7 years old must be booked through the Parish Office.

Application Forms

Application Forms will be provided once Baptism is booked in

Baptism Visitation

A member of the Baptism will make contact to visit the home or other location suitable to both parties to discuss the program and provide necessary information.

Families not resident in St. Joseph’s Parish Wonthaggi

• Families not a resident in St Joseph’s Parish must also submit a permission letter from their parish of residence

Godparents

• Since the primary role of a godparent in Catholic Baptism is to be a model and guide of Catholic faith and practice, there must be at least one Catholic godparent, male or female. However, there may be two, one of each sex. Godparents should be aged 16 or above, be confirmed and live a life of faith.

• Non-Catholic Christians can be accepted as witnesses alongside a Catholic godparent.

• If you wish to have more than two godparents, or more than one of the same sex, these also can be accepted as witnesses. Keep in mind however that multiplying godparents / witnesses dilutes the responsibility of each individual: the Church wisely limits official godparents to two.

Baptism for children aged 7 and over

Baptism of older children is conducted separately, by arrangement with the Parish Priest. Once a child has turned 7, Baptism is preceded by some religious instruction, of varying length depending on the age of the child.