Holy
Baptism
Holy Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit, and the door which gives access to the other sacraments.
Through Baptism we are freed from sin and reborn as sons and daughters of God; we become members of Christ, are incorporated into the Church and made sharers in her mission…
Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1213
Children 0-6 Years Old
Eligibility
Eligibility for Holy Baptism requires that children have at least one parent who is a baptised, practicing, Catholic to ensure that the faith of the child is nourished and encouraged as they develop.
Presentation & Formation
On the first Sunday of a month prior to the baptism, children and their parents are asked attend a 9:30am Sunday Mass at which the child will be presented to the parish community.
At a point in the Mass, Father will invite the parents and child to come forward. He will ask the parents the child’s name and confirm their commitment to raising the child in the faith before the community.
Afterwards, these parents attend an information and formation session in the parish hall. Upon completion the child is ready for baptism.
If parents have already attended the information and formation session in the past—when baptising another child—there is no need to attend the session a second time.
Baptism Date
Baptisms are celebrated at St. Michael's on the second and fourth Sunday’s of the month at 11:30am.
Godparents
It is the role of the Godmother and Godfather to support the parents in raising their child in the Catholic faith. Therefore, Godparents must themselves be baptised, practicing catholics in order to offer that support.
If a Godparent cannot be present at the baptism for some reason, a proxy can stand in his or her place, and they will still be recognised as the official Godparent.
It is permissible to have only one Godparent.
If you desire to have a Godparent from another faith tradition, while still called a ‘Godparent,’ this person will be officially understood and recognised as ‘witnesses.’ There must be at least one baptised, practicing catholic that can take on the role as the official Godparent.
The Baptism
The ceremony lasts for about half an hour. Parents are reminded to dress the child in something white and bring a baptism candle.
Baptism is a beautiful moment for your child, for your family, and for the Church. We are very pleased to be celebrating it with you and will endeavour to make it very special for your family.
Registration
Please complete one form per child.
Connect
For further help please contact our Parish Secretary on 9418 3479 or admin@stmichael.org.au
Children 7-12 Years Old
Eligibility
Eligibility for Holy Baptism requires that children have at least one parent who is a baptised, practicing, Catholic to ensure that the faith of the child is nourished and encouraged as they develop.
Children aged 7-12 require a period of formation prior to baptism so that in understanding what baptism is, the child can make an informed, personal choice for it.
Before being accepted into the program each candidate, accompanied by a parent, needs to introduce themselves to Father after Mass one Sunday.
Formation
Formation consists of:
Attendance at a Commitment Mass and activity night.
Attendance at three formation sessions. These sessions begin with Sunday Mass at 9:30am, followed by a parent & child Baptism lesson in the parish hall.
Attendance
Full attendance is expected. Missing the Commitment Mass or a lesson will delay baptism until the program runs again next year. We consider the spiritual formation of the children more important than other commitments and we trust that parents recognise this importance too.
Baptism is a beautiful moment for your child, for your family, and for the Church. We are very pleased to be celebrating it with you and will endeavour to make it a very special day for your family.
Important Dates—2025
The dates and times for these formation sessions are:
Saturday Ist November, 5:00pm—Activity night in parish hall followed by Commitment Mass.
Sunday 9th November, 9:30am—Mass followed by Ist Baptism Lesson.
Sunday 16th November, 9:30am—Mass followed by 2nd Baptism Lesson.
Sunday 23rd November, 9:30am—Mass followed by 3rd Baptism Lesson.
Sunday 30th November, 9:30am—Baptisms occur during this Mass.
Step One: Register for 7-12 Baptism
Step Two: Payment for 7-12 Baptism
There is a $30.00 program fee for all candidates. To pay, please:
Click the ‘Payment for 7-12 Baptism’ button.
In the Biller Code drop down field, select ‘Sacramental Programs.’
In the ‘Name of Sacrament’ field, type ‘7-12 Baptism’ and your child’s name so we can identify your payment.
Connect
For further help please contact our Sacramental Co-Ordinator, Lisa Rossi on 9427 2034 or at sacraments@stmichael.org.au
Adult Baptism
Adult baptism comes through participation in the Becoming Catholic program.
Click the ‘Becoming Catholic’ button to find out more.
“Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.”