What is Baptism?
Foundation of Christian Life
At Divine Mercy Parish Wallsend–Shortland
“You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s own people, that you may proclaim the mighty acts of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvellous light.” — 1 Peter 2:9
Holy Baptism is the foundation 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, reborn as children of God, incorporated into Christ and welcomed into the life of the Church. The Church beautifully describes Baptism as the “sacrament of regeneration through water in the word” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1213).
At Divine Mercy Parish Wallsend–Shortland, it is our joy to welcome families who wish to have their children baptised and to accompany them as they take this important step in their child’s journey of faith.
OPEN TO ALL AGES
Infants, children and adults are all warmly welcomed to receive the Sacrament of Baptism.
A WELCOMING PARISH FAMILY
Every baptism is celebrated as a joyful occasion for our Wallsend & Shortland community.
The Symbols of Baptism
Water
The central sign of Baptism. It signifies cleansing from sin and the gift of new life in Christ.
Sacred Oils
Used during the celebration. The Oil of Catechumens signifies strength and preparation for Christian life, while Sacred Chrism signifies that the newly baptised has been anointed and sealed in Christ by the Holy Spirit.
The White Garment
Signifies that the newly baptised has "put on Christ" and has begun a new life in Him.
The Baptismal Candle
Lit from the Paschal Candle, represents the light of Christ. Parents and godparents are entrusted with keeping this light of faith burning brightly in the child's life.
Scacrements
Baptism of Infants
Baptism of Infants
Infants are baptised at the request of their parents or those who lawfully take their place. In presenting their child for Baptism, parents are invited to renew their own commitment to Christ and accept their responsibility to nurture their child in the Catholic faith.
There must be a well-founded hope that the child will be brought up in the Catholic faith. Ordinarily, this is demonstrated through the Catholic faith and commitment of at least one parent.
If your family circumstances are different or you have been away from the practice of the faith, please do not hesitate to contact the Parish Priest. We encourage you to speak with us rather than assume that Baptism is not possible. We are here to welcome, listen and help you discern the best way forward.
Baptism of Children & Adults
Learn about the Catholic Sacrament of Baptism and the preparation process for children and adults seeking to begin their journey of faith.
Children Aged Seven and Over:
When a child has reached the age of reason, ordinarily around seven years of age, and is able to understand the meaning of Baptism and respond personally in faith, the preparation differs from that provided for infants and younger children. The child will be offered age-appropriate catechetical preparation. Parents are asked to contact the Parish Priest directly before completing a Baptism registration form.
Adults Seeking Baptism
Adults undertake a journey of faith, prayer and formation in preparation for receiving the Sacraments of Christian Initiation. This normally takes place through the Church’s Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA). If you are considering becoming Catholic or wish to learn more about the Catholic faith, you are warmly invited to contact the Parish Priest or the Parish Office. Making an enquiry does not place you under any obligation.
Choosing Godparents
Choosing Godparents
Godparents undertake an important spiritual responsibility, rather than simply receiving an honorary title. They are chosen not merely because they are relatives or close family friends, but because they are willing and able to support the parents in nurturing the child’s Catholic faith.
Through their prayer, encouragement, Christian example and active participation in the life of the Church, godparents are called to accompany the newly baptised as they grow in their relationship with Christ and in the life of the Catholic community.
Godparent Requirements
At least one godparent must be a practising Catholic, normally at least 16 years of age, who has received the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist.
A baptised Christian from another tradition may participate as a Christian witness, in accordance with the Church’s requirements.
Our Baptism Preparation Program
The Baptism Preparation Journey
The preparation journey normally includes three important stages:
1. Baptism Preparation Session
Parents participate in a Baptism Preparation Session, where we explore the meaning of Baptism, the responsibilities undertaken by parents and godparents, and the beautiful signs, symbols and prayers of the Baptismal ceremony. There will also be an opportunity to ask questions and become familiar with the practical arrangements for the celebration. The session is normally held once a month, on the first Thursday at 6.00 pm. Arrangements may be reviewed according to the needs of participating families and the availability of the Baptism Preparation Team
2. Presentation to the Parish Community
Baptism welcomes a child not only into their own family but also into the wider family of the Church. For this reason, families will be invited to attend a designated weekend Mass before the Baptism. During the Mass, the child and parents—and, where possible, the godparents—will be introduced to the parish community and supported by the prayers of their fellow parishioners. This is a beautiful reminder that the whole Christian community shares in welcoming and encouraging the newly baptised on their journey of faith.
3. Celebration of Baptism
Baptism is ideally celebrated within one of our regular weekend Masses, emphasising that the child is being welcomed into the worshipping community of the Church. Parents may choose from the following parish Masses:
A private celebration of Baptism outside the regular weekend Masses may be considered where there is a genuine pastoral or practical reason. Families wishing to request a private celebration are asked to discuss their circumstances with the Parish Priest or the Parish Office before making arrangements.
Families from Outside the Parish
Ordinarily, Baptism is celebrated within the parish community to which the family belongs, recognising that Baptism welcomes a person into the life of the local Church as well as the universal Church.
Families living outside Divine Mercy Parish who wish to celebrate their child’s Baptism at St Patrick’s, Wallsend, or Our Lady of Victories, Shortland are nevertheless warmly welcome to contact us, particularly if they have a connection with our community or intend to become part of the life of our parish.
Depending on individual circumstances, families from outside the parish may be asked to obtain permission from their own Parish Priest and/or provide confirmation that the required Baptism Preparation has been completed. Please contact the Parish Office or the Parish Priest, who will be happy to discuss your circumstances and assist with the appropriate arrangements.
Administration Fee
There is no price placed upon a Sacrament. The celebration of Baptism is a ministry of the Church and a joyful welcome of a new member into the family of faith.
However, the life and mission of our parish is made possible through the generosity of parishioners and benefactors. To help meet these ongoing costs, an administration fee of $100 per candidate applies when booking a Baptism. We believe it is reasonable that those who are willing and able to contribute towards the administrative costs associated with parish services and ministries should do so.
At the same time, financial difficulty should never prevent a family from seeking the Sacrament of Baptism for their child. If the administration fee would cause genuine hardship, families are warmly invited to speak confidentially with the Parish Priest so that appropriate arrangements can be made.
This administration fee supports the parish and is separate from any personal offering to the priest. Families who wish to make a voluntary offering to the priest in gratitude for his ministry are welcome to do so on the day.
Booking Your Child's Baptism
Families are encouraged to complete the registration and booking process well in advance—preferably at least two months before the desired Baptism date. This allows sufficient time for preparation, documentation and each stage of the Baptism journey.
1. Register Your Family with the Parish
Complete the Parish Registration Form through our website, providing the requested family and contact details. Once registered, you will receive a Parish Registration Number.
2.Complete the Baptism Enrolment Form
Using your Parish Registration Number, complete the online Baptism Enrolment Form. You will be asked to provide details of your child, including a copy of the Birth Certificate, as well as the required information about the parents and godparents.
3. Select the Three Stages of the Baptism Journey
The online form will ask you to select from the available dates for each of the following three stages: Baptism Preparation Session, Presentation to the Parish Community, and Celebration of Baptism. All three stages are an important part of the Baptism journey and therefore need to be selected before the enrolment can be submitted.
4. Administration Fee and Submission
Once all required information and dates have been entered, the $100 administration fee can be paid online. You may then submit the Baptism Enrolment Form electronically to the Parish Office for review and approval.
5. Confirmation and Reminders
The Parish Office will review the information and selected dates. Once everything has been verified and the booking approved, you will receive a confirmation email. The parish system will also send an email reminder approximately two days before each scheduled stage of your child's Baptism journey.
Need Assistance?
If you have particular family circumstances, are uncertain about any of the requirements, experience difficulty with the online registration process, or are unable to obtain particular documentation, please contact the Parish Priest or the Parish Office. We will be pleased to listen to your circumstances and assist you with the appropriate next steps.
On the Day of Baptism
Families are encouraged to arrive well before the scheduled starting time, allowing everyone to settle peacefully and be ready for the celebration.
Two important symbols used during the Baptism are to be provided by the family:
The White Garment is a sign that the newly baptised has “put on Christ” and received new life in Him. The family is responsible for providing the white garment. Ideally, the child should already be dressed in the white garment before entering the church, allowing the family to be settled and ready for the celebration.
The Baptismal Candle is also to be provided by the family. During the ceremony, it is lit from the Paschal Candle, symbolising the light of Christ entrusted to the newly baptised.
The Parish Office or Baptism Preparation Team will explain these symbols, together with other practical arrangements for the ceremony, during the Baptism Preparation Session.
We Look Forward to Welcoming Your Family
The Baptism of a child is a joyful occasion not only for the family but for the whole parish community. By bringing your child for Baptism, you are beginning a journey of faith that we hope will continue through childhood, the Sacraments, participation in Sunday Eucharist and a lifelong friendship with Jesus Christ.
Whether you are regularly involved in parish life, returning to the Church after some time away, or simply beginning to explore what faith might mean for your family, you are welcome to speak with us.
CONTACT US
Divine Mercy Parish Wallsend–Shortland
Parish Office
St Patrick's Church, 11 Macquarie St, Wallsend NSW 2287
Website
divinemercyparish.org.au
