Holy Family Church – Maroubra Parish

Baptism

“After Jesus was Baptised, He heard a voice from Heaven saying,  “You are my beloved Son”(Mark 1:9-11).”

Baptism is the introduction of a person into the Church community. Through the waters of Baptism your child enters into the life of God – Father, Son and Spirit. Your child is dedicated to God and all that is good.

If you wish to have your baby or child baptised, please attend the Mass and introduce yourself to the priests afterwards. Father will provide you with an application form. The date requested for your child’s baptism (four weeks notice is helpful) will be confirmed once your form has been received and you will be contacted regarding a preparation session.

Parents and Godparents need to attend a Baptism preparation session before the Baptism of their child can take place. The session runs for approximately 40-60 mins. It will be necessary to arrange for a babysitter as it is not a suitable session to have children or a baby present. 

At least one godparent must be a Catholic who has been confirmed and has received the Eucharist, and who lives a life worthy of the role that he or she is about to undertake. A baptised and believing Christian from a non Catholic church may serve as a Christian Witness to the baptism along with a Catholic Godparent. It is not possible for an unbaptised person to act as godparent or witness. It is possible to have just one godparent.

People normally receive Baptism in the Parish where they live. To see if you live within our Parish Boundaries, please open this file: HF MAROUBRA BOUNDARY


Baptism Ceremony

Baptisms are celebrated every Sunday. The ceremony commences at the conclusion of the 9.30am Mass on Sundays – and usually takes about an hour – depending on the number of children being Baptised at the time.

Please provide a candle. If a hand decorated/personalised candle is required, ask the office for a contact (four weeks before the Baptism date is helpful).

The child / person to be baptised needs to be dressed in white.

Baptism Offering: There is no fee for a Baptism, however it is customary to give a donation to the priest. Please kindly provide an offering (stole fees) for the priest in an envelope (provided at the side entrance of the Church). This can be handed to him at the preparation session or at the Baptism. You can also use the SUPPORT US tab at the top of the page for a BPOINT Secure Payment Service (choose Baptism from drop down list). Thank you for your generosity.

A Baptism certificate will be provided. Please keep this in a safe place, as it is needed for enrolment to Catholic schools and for future Sacraments – First Reconciliation, First Communion, Confirmation, Marriage and Holy Orders.

A register is kept of all Baptisms in the parish and a copy of the Baptism register can be obtained by contacting the office if needed.

 

Sacraments

The sacraments nourish and strengthen the work of evangelisation in the parish.