Baptism
“Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.”
Matthew 28:19-20
The sacrament of Baptism marks the beginning of our life of faith. In Baptism, we are welcomed into God’s family and begin the journey of getting to know and understand the meaning of God’s love.
At St. Patrick’s, there are two programmes of preparation for the sacrament of Baptism depending on the age of the person to be baptised.
Infant Baptism (Babies/Young Children)
For a baby to be baptised, there must be a “well-founded hope” that the child will be nurtured in the faith. The program is in three parts (Preparation, Presentation, and Celebration). If you have completed a preparation program for a previous child, you only need to take part in the Presentation and Baptism steps.
Children's Baptism (Ages 7-12)
These children prepare through the OCIC (Rite of Christian Initiation of Children) program.
Adult Baptism
Adults seeking baptism are guided through the OCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) program, a journey of reflection and discovery.
The Three-Part Rite for Infant Baptism
- Baptism Preparation Programme: Participation in this course is essential and is held every four to six weeks. Contact the Cathedral Office to book.
- Presentation: Your child is presented to the Christian community during the 9 am or 11 am Mass. This simple ritual includes the naming and anointing with the Oil of Catechumens.
- The Celebration of Baptism: This communal celebration takes place the following Saturday, usually at 11 am.
- Note on Parish of Residence: If the Cathedral is not your usual place of worship, it is recommended you contact your local parish. This is important for your child’s future spiritual support and, if applicable, enrolment in a local Catholic school.
- Admin Cost: $75 to help cover expenses, which can be enclosed with your booking form.
