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).
Baptism is God’s most beautiful and magnificent gift…. We call it gift, grace, anointing, enlightenment, garment of immortality, bath of rebirth, seal, and most precious gift. It is called gift because it is conferred on those who bring nothing of their own; grace since it is given even to the guilty; Baptism because sin is buried in the water; anointing for it is priestly and royal as are those who are anointed; enlightenment because it radiates light; clothing since it veils our shame; bath because it washes; and seal as it is our guard and the sign of God’s Lordship
The parents of a child being Baptised are called to prepare for Baptism by:
† Learn more by reading about the Sacrament of Baptism in the Catholic Church
† Renewing their commitment to Christ,
† Resolving to share their faith with their child, and
† Showing this by living the faith.
The Sacrament of Baptism at our Parish has three core components:
† The Baptism Preparation Session.
† The Baptism Welcoming / Presentation at weekend Mass.
† The Baptism Ceremony.
The Baptism Preparation Session.
All parents requesting Baptism for their children, are expected to book in and attend a Preparation Session.
This is the initial component and takes place monthly in the Parish Centre. Bookings are essential.
The session runs for approximately 40-60 mins. During this session, you will meet up with the other families who will be celebrating their child’s Baptism. You will also have an opportunity to explore the beautiful rituals and rich symbolism that make up the Sacrament of Baptism.
Our Parish Priest will walk you through the actual Baptism ceremony.
You will also be given the chance to ask any questions that you may have, during this session.
The Welcoming / Presentation at Mass.
As Baptism is the welcoming of your child into the Catholic faith, we at St Mark’s Parish believe that there is no better way to welcome your child into our Parish family than to invite you to join us for Mass at the Saturday Vigil Mass or our Sunday Masses. During the Mass, the Priest will invite you to come to the front of the church and will present your child to the congregation, in doing this he will ask you what your expectations are for your child in having them Baptised.
The Baptism Ceremony.
The ceremony takes on the First and Third Sunday of each month at 10:30 am subject to Church availability and may be shared with other families.
Godparents assist the parents in bringing up the child in the faith and represent the wider Church community. Therefore, godparents should:
† Be mature enough to accept this responsibility;
† Be fully initiated Catholic, aged 16 or above
† Be members of the Catholic Church
† Traditionally two Godparents are required more than this they are witnesses only.
How to register your child to be Baptised at St Mark’s:
If you live within our Drummoyne parish boundary:
If you would like to have your child or children Baptised at St Mark’s Catholic Church Drummoyne, please complete the Request for Baptism Application and submit.
If you do not live within our Drummoyne parish boundary:
If you would like to have your child Baptised at St Mark’s Catholic Church, Drummoyne, and live outside the Drummoyne Parish boundary, you are required to obtain permission from your local Parish Priest to Baptise your child outside your Parish area.
Complete the Request for Baptism Application and ask your Priest to complete the Permission to Baptise outside your parish and submit both forms.
Please feel free to contact our Parish Office if you have any questions or require any further information. Please note we are not able to hold dates or confirm any arrangements until a Request for Baptism Application has been submitted and we have replied replied to your application.
Thank you for your understanding.
