Often called ‘The Door of the Church’, it is the first Sacrament not only in time, but also in importance. Once baptised, a person becomes part of the Church.
All other sacraments depend on it.
At St Ignatius Parish, we have three different ‘starting points’ and programs for people seeking Baptism.
- We welcome infants for Infant Baptism, which is part of the most ancient tradition of the Church. It is a powerful and visible reminder to us that God’s love and salvation are not earned but offered to us as a gift.
- We welcome school-age children who wish to be baptised. These children will prepare for their initiation into the Church through the Rite of Christian Initiation for Children (RCIC).
- We also welcome adults who wish to be baptised. They prepare for their initiation into the Church through the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA).
Scheduling Baptism Ceremonies
Infant Baptism at St Ignatius Parish is celebrated on the 1st and 3rd Sunday of each month at 10.30 am at St Ignatius Church. Alternatively, Baptism at Holy Spirit Church, Auchenflower is celebrated on the 3rd Sunday of each month during the 8.00 am Mass.
Preparation sessions are held at the Parish Office by appointment.
RCIC & RCIA at St Ignatius Parish are usually held at the Easter Vigil Mass each year. Preparation for these sacraments are usually held during the Lenten Season, preceding Easter.
If you wish to arrange a baptism, please complete the relevant Registration Form or contact the Parish Office to discuss arrangements.
Infant Baptism Information
Like all initiation, the baptism of infants takes place over a staged process. At our parish there are three key steps.
Step 1: Baptism Preparation Session
Parent(s) attend a preparation session prior to the Rite of Reception. The preparation session offers parents the opportunity to gain a better understanding of Baptism as a stage in the journey of faith of their child. In addition to this, the session provides the chance to ask questions about Baptism.
The Rite of Reception involves the presentation of infants to the parish community. In this way, parent(s) are signalling their intention to bring a new member into the community and asking the community to pray for and support the new baby as he or she begins life as a Christian member of the community.
Step 2: Rite of Reception
Parent(s) will be asked to bring their child to a weekend mass, in the month preceding the baptism.
At the beginning of the Mass, the parent(s) will be asked:
What name have you given your child?
What do you ask of God’s Church for your child?
Then the child will be signed with the sign of the cross by his or her family members and by members of the community.
Step 3: Rite of Baptism
The parent(s) will be provided with a booklet at the Parent Preparation Session that explains the symbols, prayers, and actions of the ceremony.
Role of Godparents
While godparents are welcome but not required to attend the Rite of Reception, they play a significant role in the Rite of Baptism. The role of godparents is to nurture the faith life of their godchildren. They should be a Christian witness to their godchild in the way they live their lives.
Godparents are required to be over 16 years of age and should be fully initiated into the Catholic Church. It is customary to select two godparents, but only one is required for baptism. Other Christian sponsors may be chosen alongside the godparent(s).
Other considerations
Anyone outside the parish boundaries should make contact with their local parish priest and follow the local custom of the parish, or provide a letter from their parish priest giving permission for this sacrament to occur at St Ignatius Parish.
Growing in faith: As your child grows and develops, we would like to support you in their faith development. When it comes time for further Sacraments of Initiation (Confirmation and Communion), you will have the opportunity to enrol your child in the programs and liturgical celebrations designed to support them in their growth in faith.
Register for Infant Baptism
If you wish to arrange an infant baptism, please complete the registration form. The Parish Office will contact you upon receipt of the completed form.
