Baptism
BAPTISM
The journey of the Sacraments of Initiation begins for all of us when we are welcomed into the Church community through the Sacrament of Baptism.
By being baptised, born again of water and the Spirit, a person becomes a Christian and a child of God.
Baptism is about Belonging. We belong to Jesus Christ who shows us the way to God. We belong to a great family of faith, the Church.
Through Baptism we become members of a great spiritual family which includes God the Father, Jesus (who is God’s Son and a brother to all) and Mary (who is the Mother of Jesus and a mother to all). As well, everyone who was, is or ever will be baptised is also a member of our extended spiritual family.
Whether we are Catholic, Protestant or Orthodox Christians, through Baptism we are all brothers and sisters in Christ.
Baptism usually takes place when we are babies or when we are quite young. This is known as Infant Baptism.
For those over the age of 7 years who are unbaptised, there is a separate process. Please contact Parish Office our to discuss this if your child is over the age of 7 years. Email parishoffice@ffcp.org.au
Regular Infant Baptisms are usually celebrated outside the Mass in Frenchs Forest Catholic Parish. However if you would like your child to be baptised during a Parish Mass you are most welcome.
If you choose a Baptism outside the Mass, these are held as follows:
11.30am, on the first Sunday of each month, at Our Lady of Good Counsel, Forestville;
11.30am on the third Sunday of each month, at St. Martin de Porres, Davidson
11.30am on the fourth Sunday of each month, at St Anthony in the Fields, Terrey Hills.
To book or register your child’s Baptism
-you will need to contact the Parish Office on 9451 5097 or email sacraments@ffcp.org.au
When you contact the Parish Office you will be asked to collect a Baptismal Pack. This pack is informative and includes an enrolment form which needs to be completed. Only when this form is completed and returned to the Parish Office can we finalise the booking of your child’s baptism.
You will be asked to provide a copy of your child’s Birth Certificate. We will also need a copy of one of the parents Catholic Baptism certificate. To make the experience a meaningful one, we only have up to 4 children baptised in one ceremony. The ceremony usually takes about 40 – 45 minutes.
You will be asked to attend a Preparation Class for Baptism which is held every month (except January) on the 2nd Saturday of the month at OLGC Parish Centre at 4pm. This class runs for approximately 45 minutes.
Finally you will present your child at one of the Parish Masses the weekend before the Baptism so that the Parish community can welcome your child and pray for them as they begin their faith journey.
Frenchs Forest Parish has a set fee of $60 for each Baptism. This payment covers the cost of the booklet and other resources used, and goes towards parish funds. There will be an envelope in your pack in which you can place your payment. There will also be an envelope in which you can give an offering which can be handed to the priest/deacon after the Baptism ceremony.