Baptism:

A Sacrament of Christian Initiation!

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 of God; we become members of Christ, are incorporated into the Church and made sharers in her mission: "Baptism is the sacrament of regeneration through water in the word." (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1213)

Congratulations on the birth of your child!

Through the intercession of Jesus, Mary and Joseph,

may God bless and protect your family.

The following policies have been adopted to ensure optimal satisfaction for everyone. More details are available when you book. Bookings cannot be completed online. Please call the parish office during business hours: (03) 9328 3474.

Choose your child’s

Godparents

Only one godparent is necessary, although you may have two – one male and one female. The godparent(s) must be Catholics who have received the Sacrament of Confirmation.

It is preferable that the godparents attend the ceremony. However, if a nominated godparent may not be able to attend, a proxy godparent may stand in for the nominated godparent at the baptism. 

Choose your child’s

Baptism time 

Weekends:

  • Private baptisms from 11.30am on Saturdays, and 12pm Sundays

(Subject to availability)

  • Every 4th Sunday group baptisms 11:30am.
  • Booking open 3 months prior to the date. e.g. if booking for Dec 2024, you can only book in Oct 2024.


Weekdays:

  • 11:00 am
  • 2:00 pm
  • 3:00 pm
  • 4:00 pm


* Any other time is only available for booking 2 months prior to the date

 

Each baptism is celebrated as an individual private ceremony. We allocate an hour in our calendar for each baptism, but the actual ceremony lasts half an hour.

Choose your baptism

Celebrant

You are also welcome to invite a Catholic priest or deacon known to you or you may ask the parish for a priest. Please advise the office of the celebrant’s details. It will still be necessary for the parents to return the completed form and child’s birth certificate to the office.  All the baptism certificates are prepared by the St Mary’s office, irrespective of whether you have a priest from here or a visiting priest or deacon.

BAPTISM PREPARATION AND SEMINAR

Baptism is an important faith step in the life of the child and his/her family. It is important for parents to properly understand its significance and be prepared for this sacrament. To this end, an appointment will be made for the parents to meet with the priest (if you are having a priest from St Mary’s).


In addition to the appointment with the priest, St Mary’s offers Baptism Seminars every second Saturday of the month. These seminars are open to all parents bringing their children for baptism, irrespective of whether you are having a priest from here or a visiting priest. Parents and godparents must attend one of these seminars which will be conducted by St Mary’s parents and priests. The seminar will offer practical tips on Christian parenting. There is no extra charge for this seminar.


Please contact us for the Baptism Seminar dates for 2024

 



BOOKING A BAPTISM

Telephone the office on (03) 9328 3474, or email us on info@stmaryswestmelbourne.org Monday to Friday between 10am and 2pm, to arrange a date. Full payment must be made at the time of booking. We do not take tentative bookings.


Once a booking is made, a confirmation letter and receipt will be sent, together with a form. This form needs to be completed and returned to the office with a copy of the child’s birth certificate . The certificate does not need to be certified. We require this paperwork as soon as possible; and certainly before the meeting with the priest. 


Should the parents wish, the baptism may be transferred to another date, subject to availability of the Church.

FEE STRUCTURE

Baptism for one child $300.

Full payment must be paid at the time of booking to secure date and time of baptism.

Visa, Mastercard, Cheque, or cash (during office hours).

EFT: St Mary’s West Melbourne Church Account
BSB: 083 347
Acc: 643 961 382

If you wish to have more than one child baptised at the same time, then there is a reduced fee for additional children.

On the Day
of Baptism

CANDLE. On the day of baptism, the parents usually provide a special baptism candle, which is sometimes decorated with the name of the child and the date of baptism. The candle signifies the light of faith which will illumine the child throughout his or her life.

WHITE GARMENT. After baptism, the child is clothed in a white garment to signify spiritual purification. Many families have a baptismal garment heirloom, which is used generation after generation. Alternatively, some families provide a baptismal stole, unique to the occasion.

These items are available from children’s wear shops and Christian bookstores. Personalised candles and stoles can also be ordered through the internet. If you want more information about these, please contact the office.
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