Baptism:

Baptisms at St Mary Star of the Sea

The baptism ceremony is a communal celebration, symbolising the gathering of God's family - his daughters and sons. This ceremony is conducted with unity in mind, where multiple families are participating.

• Held each Saturday and Sunday at 12 noon.
• A maximum of 4 families per group. (Please note that we no longer offer private baptisms)

Booking Policy

To assist with your booking and planning, we kindly ask that you review the following requirements and procedures:

1. Baptism Seminar

At least one parent and one godparent needs to attend this seminar on the 2nd Saturday of the month at St Mary's 10am - 12 noon, unless they have attended one previously or a similar one at another Catholic church.

2. Parent Meeting

At least one parent is required to attend a scheduled 30-minute meeting with the priest before the baptism.

3. Baptism Cost

The cost for the baptism is $300 per child, or per family, which is required to secure your booking.

4. Godparents and Family Sponsors

A godparent makes a profession of faith on behalf of the godchild and commits to supporting the child's religious education if the parents are unable to do so.

• A minimum of one Godparent may be chosen and must be a baptised and confirmed Catholic.
• Up to two Godparents can be chosen and must be one male and one female.
• Non-Catholic parties can serve as family sponsors, as long as there is at least one baptised and confirmed Catholic godparent. (Please note that we will provide two certificates, one official only listing the Godparent's name, and an unofficial certificate that would also include the family sponsor's name).
• If a nominated godparent is unable able to attend, a proxy godparent may stand in for the nominated godparent at the baptism. 

Baptism Ceremony Details

Seating Arrangements

• Parents and godparents should sit in the front few rows of the church pews. Other family members and friends may sit anywhere throughout the church, according to their preference. There are no specific seating arrangements based on family groups.

Ceremony Process

• When multiple children are being baptised, the ceremony is conducted for all children simultaneously. Individual rites, e.g signing with the cross, anointing, and the baptism itself, will be performed for each child, one at a time, in no particular order.

Photography

• Photographers are welcome to take photos during the ceremony, but there will be no specific positioning or pauses during the baptism.
• Due to time constraints, group photos should be taken outside the church.

Candle and Garment

• On the day of baptism, the parents or godparents, 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.
• 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.

Please note that  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.

Baptisms Outside of Regular Times - private baptisms.

Baptisms can only be booked at a maximum of 3 months before the baptism date.

• Subject to availability, baptisms can be booked on Saturdays or Sundays between 1pm - 4pm, and weekdays before 11:30am, and between 2pm - 5pm.
• Your own priest must be provided
• Contribution to the church is $300 - per child or per family, but does not include the priest's stipend. The stipend must be paid directly to the 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.