Baptism
“Through the Sacrament of Baptism we enter into the life of Jesus, living members of His Holy Body, “incorporated into the Church and made sharers in her mission.”
Baptism at The Cathedral of Saint Christopher Canberra
Baptism will be one of the most important days of your child’s life. Through baptism, we share in God’s divine life and become his children, receiving the gift and promise of eternal life with him in heaven.
Ordinarily, the baptism should be celebrated in your home parish, unless there is good reason to celebrate somewhere else. You can check what might your local parish here: Find a Parish – The Catholic Archdiocese of Canberra & Goulburn. If you live outside the cathedral parish but still wish to proceed with a baptism here, you should first check with the parish office.
At least one parent should be a baptised and confirmed catholic.
You will also require at least one catholic as a godparent who has been confirmed and has received their First Holy Communion. There may not be more than two godparents (one male and one female) or one godparent and a Christian witness (someone validly baptised of another Christian denomination). An unbaptised person cannot act as a godparent or witness. Godparents and Christian witnesses must be over 16 years of age.
To prepare well and to understand the responsibility, which you will promise before God in the ceremony, we require parents and godparents complete this short course: Infant Baptism | LA Catholics. A brochure about baptism has also been attached for your perusal.
Once you have completed the course, please email the parish office with the certificates of completion, as well as the baptismal certificate/s of the parents and proposed godparents.
We will then be in touch to arrange a time for both parents to meet with one of the priests of the cathedral. This will provide an opportunity for the priest to meet you and so develop a connection with your family. The priest is also required, by church law, to establish that there is a well-founded hope that the child will be brought up in the Catholic faith. This will form part of the discussion and help in deciding when might be the best time to book in a time for baptism.
Sacraments are always free; however, a recommended offering is $100, which will assist to cover costs that include the stole fee for the celebrant, the baptismal certificate, and a regular baptismal candle (you may bring your own baptismal candle if you like). Details on how you can make payment will be provided once you have met with a priest.
Baptisms are ordinarily held at the Cathedral on the 2nd and 4th Sunday of the month at 12:30pm and every 3rd Sunday of the month at St Peter Chanel's Church in Yarralumla at 10:30am. Once the priest has agreed that the baptism can take place in our parish you will be able to make a booking with the Parish Office.
Please contact us at cathedral@cg.org,au
To Organise the Sacrament of Baptism
To organise the Sacrament of Baptism, please contact the Parish Office.
Email: cathedral@cg.org.au
Telephone: (02) 6239 9846
More Information About the Sacrament of Baptism
The birth of a child is cause for celebration not only within individual families, but also within the family of the Catholic Church. When children receive the sacrament of Baptism they are welcomed into this family and reborn as children of God.
There are several key symbols in the baptismal rite that tie this first sacrament to Jesus’ sacrifice and resurrection. Prior to the Baptism, the priest uses a special oil – Oil of Catechumens – to anoint the baby and protect them from evil. During the Rite, consecrated water is poured upon the baby’s head as a symbol of purification and rebirth through Christ. Following the Baptism, the priest anoints the baby with Oil of Chrism, which symbolises the gift of the Holy Spirit. By performing the Rite, a priest liberates the child from sin, brings them into the light of God’s love and prepares them for eternal salvation in heaven.
About the Baptism Ceremony
During the ceremony, the Catholic parent/s make a commitment to raise their child according to the principles of the Church. They are also required to select a godmother and godfather to guide their child in life’s journey. Godparents act as role models and mentors and, consequently, parents should choose godparents who have a firm belief in God and a commitment to the teachings of the Church. When choosing a godparent, at least one of them must be a fully initiated Catholic (Baptised, Confirmed and have received the blessed Eucharist), over the age of 16 and not one of the parents. Together, parents, godparents and the Catholic community as a whole, provide an example for the baptised as they prepare for their full commitment to the Church through the sacraments of First Holy Communion and Confirmation.
Baptism usually occurs during or after the Sunday Mass, however this may vary from one parish to the next. This first sacrament is a community event for your local parish; therefore, several families may have their child baptised at the same ceremony. Prior to the Baptism, most parishes require parents to attend a preparation session/s. It is normal practice for a donation to be given by the parents to the parish. Some parishes will give a suggested amount for this donation, but generally it will be a matter for the parents to decide.
Where neither parent is Catholic and they desire for their child to be baptised Catholic, it is likely that the parish priest will ask to meet both parents to discuss this request. The priest will explain that for the grace of Baptism to unfold, the parents’ help is important. The priest will need to ascertain that there is a ‘founded hope that the child will be raised Catholic’.
Baptism Preparation Sessions
If seeking baptism for an infant, the parish priest will normally request to meet with the parents or ask that they attend a baptism preparation session/s. A baptism preparation sessions is required for parents who are baptising their first child only.
If seeking baptism for a child who is in primary school, the parish may require that you and your child attend a preparation program. These programs are very useful as they help the child to understand what will take place in the ceremony. If such a program does not exist in your parish, the priest may ask to meet with you prior to the baptism.
Your child’s baptism will be officially recorded in a Baptism Register, which is held by the parish where the baptism takes place. Normally the parents will be given a certificate that records important details. It is important that this document be kept safely as it may be required for entry into a Catholic school or prior to the reception of other sacraments.
If seeking baptism for an adult the process involves a longer period of preparation. Please contact your parish and ask them about the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA). In most parishes this process begins around August/September. Full initiation into the church (i.e. Baptism, Communion and Confirmation) normally take place at the Easter Vigil the following year.