Baptism is the fundamental sacramental of our entry into the life of Christ. It is the gateway to all the other sacraments. Baptism is such a special time for you, your family and the whole Church. Whether you are bringing a baby or child for baptism or desire baptism for yourself, we want everyone to know they are loved by God and welcome in our community. Your local parish is the best place to get started with organising the celebration of this sacrament, and they can tell you more about the way baptism is celebrated in your community. Baptism is the first of the Church’s sacraments. It welcomes us into a Christian community and incorporates us into the Church. Through Baptism, we are ‘reborn’ as daughters and sons of God. Parents are committing themselves to help their child to understand and practice what it means to live as a Catholic Christian.
Requirements:
- To start the process to have a child baptised you will need to contact us on (07) 3285 6759 .
- Book into a Welcome Mass and Baptism Preparation Session which are held on the 1st Saturday of the Month at Our Lady of the Way, Petrie commencing with Preparation at 4.30pm followed by Mass at 6pm.
- Complete the Baptism Information form – one will be emailed to you when you book into the Baptism Preparation session.
- If you belong from another Parish, you are asked to obtain a letter from your Parish of residence granting us permission to baptise your child in the Petrie Parish.
Please contact the Parish Office by email petrie@bne.catholic.net.au or phone 3285 6759 to book into a session and for more information.
Baptism symbols
There are four key symbols of Baptism:
- Water is the central symbol of Baptism. Because water is essential to all life, the water of Baptism symbolises the life-giving grace that sustains all those who have become children of God.
- Oil is used twice in the ceremony. Before the Baptism, the child’s chest is smeared with the Oil of Catechumens as a sign of healing and strengthening. Afterwards, the crown of the child’s head is anointed with perfumed chrism as a symbol of joy and thanksgiving, and a sign that as they are now joined to Christ, they too are priest, prophet and royal.
- The white garment with which the newly baptised is then clothed symbolises their new life in Christ and is ‘the outward sign of Christian dignity’.
- A baptismal candle is lit from the paschal candle beside the font and presented to the newly baptised as a sign of the light of Christ.
Godparents
Godparents are chosen as Christian role models and mentors and they agree to help the parents bring their child up in the practice of the faith. The Church requires that a godparent:
- is at least 16 years old,
- is not a parent of the child,
- must have been confirmed and received first Holy Communion, and
- needs to live a life of faith which will be an example and support to their godchild.
Your local parish will be pleased to support your planning for your child’s Baptism. Liturgy Brisbane also has a resource available to help you plan to celebrate the sacrament of Baptism.
The process follows the Rite of Baptism for Children and the Sacramental Guidelines for the Archdiocese of Brisbane.