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 during our office hours:
Mon, Wed, Thur & Fri 10am -1:30pm on:
(03) 9328 3474 or email:
info@stmaryswestmelbourne.org
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 noon.
- A maximum of 4 families per group.
- The stipend is $300 - per child/family.
- 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.
- 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.
- Photographers are welcome to take photos during the ceremony, but there will be no specific positioning or pauses during the baptism.
Baptisms Outside of Regular Times
- These 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/family and 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.
Baptism Requirements
Baptism Seminar
- A minimum of one parent and one godparent needs to attend this seminar on the 2nd Saturday of the month if they have never participated before.
(see additional information below)
Meeting with a Priest
- A minimum of one parent needs to book a 1/2 hour parent meeting with the priest before the baptism day.
Choosing a Godparent
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.
- If desired, only 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 Preparation 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 from 10am - 12noon. 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 2025
Booking a Baptism
Phone: (03) 9328 3474 or
email: info@stmaryswestmelbourne.org during
office hours: Monday to Friday 10am - 1:30pm, 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.
Payment Details
Stipend for Baptism is $300-
(this does not include the visiting priest's stipend for baptisms outside of regular times).
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.
