Baptism
Baptism is the first of the Sacraments of Initiation. In baptism a person is welcomed into the Christian Community and publicly acknowledges their faith in Christ. It is the first step in a lifelong journey of commitment and discipleship. Baptism is the Church’s way of celebrating and enacting the embrace of God and, along with the other sacraments, begins a lifelong journey of meaning, dignity and faith.
- Baptism for Infants (up to 7 years old)
It has been the tradition of the Catholic Church to baptise infants and allow the parents, with the support of the community, to pass their faith on to their children.
At Holy Spirit baptism means being welcomed in the Church and being part of the worshiping, Eucharistic community that gathers each weekend. If baptism has not occurred when a child is still an infant then we do not offer baptism to older children until they are in a position to make a conscious faith decision about joining such a worshiping Eucharistic community.
Selecting a date
The booking request form below can be completed to determine availability for a date. Baptisms are generally offered on 1st & 3rd Saturday mornings from 10am, 10.55am and 11.40am (Individual Baptism) and 2nd & 4th Saturday from 10am and 11.30am (Group Baptism) or every 2nd Sunday of the month at 3.30pm (Individual Baptism & by appointment only)
Complete and Return Enrolment form
Once a date has been selected the enrolment form (available for download below) can be downloaded, completed and scanned and returned to the parish office at newfarm@bne.catholic.net.au.
A copy of the child's birth certificate must be attached with the enrolment form which must have the "Family Law Matters" section signed by both parents to allow the booking to be confirmed.
Payment of the enrolment fee can be made to the BSB and account number listed on the form. this payment must be made before the booking can be confirmed. The priest is paid a stipend on the day of the baptism by the family. The amount of the stipend is a discretionary amount.
Catechism Class
In preparation for a child's baptism parents and godparents are required to attend catechism class specifically focused on the sacrament of baptism.
These classes are held at the Holy Spirit Church, 16 Villiers Street, New Farm on the 3rd and 4th Wednesday of each month between 6.45 pm and 7.15 pm. At this short preparation meeting the priest will outline some of the symbols used at the ceremony, detail the responsibilities of the parents and godparents and answer any questions parents may have. Allocation to a class will occur once the parish office has received the completed enrolment form and payment for the Sacrament.
The Sacrament of Baptism cannot be received until this course has been completed.
Baptism Preparation for older Children (over the age of 7 years)
At times there are children who have not been baptised, yet they and their parents would like them to join the Catholic faith. Once a year, during Lent, the parish will conduct preparation classes for these older children so that they can be baptised during our Easter celebrations. See RCIA for further details
Adult Faith Education and The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA)
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is a process developed by the Catholic Church for prospective converts to Catholicism who are above the age of infant baptism.
Refer to RCIA here for more details .
Contact Us
Please enter your details here