BAPTISM AT ST MARK’S CHURCH
Holy Baptism is the basis of the whole Catholic life, the gateway to life in the Spirit (vitae spiritualis ianua), and the door which gives access to the other sacraments. Through Baptism we are freed from sin and reborn as sons of God; we become members of Christ, are incorporated into the Church and made sharers in her mission: “Baptism is the sacrament of regeneration through water in the word.” 

(CCC. 1213).

* PARENT NOTES:
Parents of a child being Baptised are called to be prepared.
Parents are required to attend St Mark’s Saturday Vigil / Sunday Mass weekly.
Parents are asked to renew their commitment to Christ.
Parents are asked to share their faith with their child by living the faith.
The date of Baptism will be confirmed once application for Baptism is accepted.
Baptism dates are not held until all documentation is received.
After the Baptism the parents cannot change the Godparents names on record.
The Sacrament of Baptism at our Parish has three core components:
† The Baptism Preparation Session.
† The Baptism Rite of Welcome / Presentation at Saturday Vigil / Sunday Mass.
† The Baptism Ceremony.
Note: Bookings are essential for Baptism Preparation, Rite of Welcome and Baptism.


* GODPARENT NOTES:
A copy of Baptism and Confirmation certificates are required for Godparents.
Traditionally, up to two Godparents are required for Baptism.
At least one godparent is to be fully initiated into the Catholic faith. (Canon 873).
A Godparent is to be aged over 16 years.
In addition to Godparents, a person Baptised in another Christian tradition may act as a witness.
Godparents assist the parents in bringing up the child in their Catholic faith.


* BAPTISM PREPARATION:
Held on the Fourth Sunday of the month at 4:00 pm. (Booking Essential).
Baptism Preparation sessions are approximately 40 – 60 minutes.
The Parish Priest will walk you through the actual Baptism ceremony.
This is the time when parents are given the chance to ask any questions.
Prior to the Baptism Ceremony both parents are required to attend preparation with their child.
Godparents are welcome, but do not need to attend.


* RITE OF WELCOME: BAPTISM PRESENTATION:
Baptism at St Mark’s is important to St Mark’s Parish Community.
Baptism presentation is the beginning of your child’s faith journey.
For the Parish to welcome your child, you are required to attend Saturday Vigil/ Sunday Mass.
At the Rite of Welcome the family and child are presented during Mass to the community.
The Rite of Welcome is to happen prior to the Baptism Ceremony.
Both parents with your child is expected to attend regardless of religion.
Godparents, Grandparents, relatives and friends are also invited to attend.
During the Mass, the priest invites the parents and child to come to the front altar for the Rite of Welcome.
Parents are asked at the Rite of Welcome what their expectations are for your child in having them Baptised?


* THE BAPTISM CEREMONY:
The ceremony is celebrated on the First and Third Sunday of each month at 10:30 am
.
Sundays of the month and time may change due to the sacramental and liturgical season.
The Baptism Ceremony, is celebrated with other families. (Based on bookings).
St Mark’s Parish does not celebrate Baptism’s during the season of Lent.
Additional Baptisms are celebrated during the Eastertide season.
St Mark’s does not celebrate individual or Private Baptsim’s.

* HOW TO REGISTER FOR BAPTISM: :
If you live within our Drummoyne parish boundary:
Complete the Application for Baptism and submit. St Mark’s Application for Baptism.

If you live outside our Drummoyne parish boundary:
Visit your local Parish Priest and apply for Permission to Baptise your child outside your Parish.
Complete St Mark’s Permission to Baptise outside your Parish.
Complete the Application for Baptism and submit both forms. St Mark’s Application for Baptism.


* HOW TO DONATE FOR BAPTISM:
It is customary to donate to the Parish for Baptism, and this can be paid directly on
St Mark’s Parish website https://www.bpoint.com.au/payments/drummoyneparish
select from the drop down Baptism Biller Code 1400839
or a donation can be placed in the Baptism envelope provided and given on the day of the Baptism ceremony.
In submitting St Mark’s Baptism Application I agree to all requirements needed to prepare for Baptism.
For further information please email St Mark’s Pastoral Associate at [email protected]