“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.

If you want to know more about the programme or require a baptismal form please contact the office on 303 4509 or email info@stpatricks.org.nz

To download information on the Cathedral’s Infant Baptism procedures and dates for 2024 click BAPTISM LEAFLET 2024
Baptism information for 2025 click BAPTISM LEAFLET 2025

For more information on baptism for children (8-12 years old), please contact Cathedral Office

Infant Baptism

For a baby to be baptised there needs to be ‘a well founded hope’ that the child will be nourished in the knowledge and practice of the faith. Parents might ask themselves about the ‘dream’ they have for their children and how belief in Jesus Christ and the practice of faith is going to be nurtured in their child’s life.

At St. Patrick’s, the baptismal preparation program for a child is in three parts:

1. Participation in a Baptism Preparation Programme. Please contact the Cathedral Office to book into the preparation course. This is essential. Please note that the Baptismal Preparation Programme is held every four to six weeks.

2. Presentation of your child to the Christian community of St Patrick’s at either the 8am or 11am Mass. The presentation is a simple ritual within the Mass that involves presenting your child, the naming and the usual anointing with the Oil of Catechumens (no special clothing is required and godparents are not required to be present but are most welcome). Please sit towards the front so we are able to easily identify you. The priest will guide you through the ceremony itself.at either the 8 am or the 11 am Mass.

3. The Celebration of Baptism then takes place the following Saturday, usually at 11 am (see below for times and dates)

Because of the large number of requests for baptism at the Cathedral, the Rite of Baptism is celebrated communally. Individual baptisms do occur at the Cathedral but you will need to provide your own priest, and speak to him about the appropriate baptismal preparation.

If this is not your first child to be baptised and you have already completed a preparation programme, you are not required to participate in another programme. You will need only to take part in the Presentation and Baptism steps as out lined above. Please book directly with the Cathedral Secretary and send in the completed form so that she can prepare the Certificate.

We would ask that if you are able, you make a donation of $50 which would help us cover expenses. Please enclose this with your booking form. (If, for any reason, this causes hardship please do not hesitate to speak to the Cathedral Secretary). If you are already taking part in the Cathedral planned giving programme then the donation is optional.

If the Cathedral is not your usual place of worship, we recommend you contact your local parish (look under “C” for Catholic in the white pages of the ‘business’ phone book).
Baptism is an important way of making a connection with your local parish and priest, and the future support your local community offers. This is especially important if you will be looking to send your child to the local Catholic school. If you already belong to another parish, then the baptism should take place there.

For baptisms for children aged 7-12 years, we have the RCIC programme.  Please contact anita@stpatricks.org.nz in the parish office for further information.

Baptism of an Adult

The majority of Catholics are baptised into membership of the Church as a baby or child and grow up in an environment where the Church is always part of their lives.

Some people, however, are moved by the Holy Spirit to consciously and freely seek baptism later in their life journey.

During the first centuries, the growth of the Church came largely through the baptism of adults. In recent years, the Church has returned to many of these first-century ceremonies for welcoming adults who seek baptism into the life of Christ.

This journey of faith, of reflection, discovery and the ceremonies that accompany it, have been brought together in a programme the Church calls ‘The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults’ or ‘RCIA’.

Please contact anita@stpatricks.org.nz for further information.

The Celebration of Baptism

Gathering – those who are being baptised, their families, friends and the church community gather together.

Welcome – words of welcome are exchanged. The names that have been chosen for Baptism are announced and the parents desire to have their child baptised is expressed.

The Word – everyone present listens to the Word of God (Readings from Sacred Scripture)

Prayers – prayers are offered to those who are to be baptised, for their families, friends and all who are present.

Oil of Catechumens – to prepare for Baptism, the candidate is anointed with Oil of Catechumens as a sign of Christ’s protective power.

Vows – all present renew their own baptismal vows. Therefore all God-parents need to be baptised Christian with at least one a practising catholic.

Water – the Baptism takes place as the priest pours holy water over the forehead three times as he says the words of Baptism.

Oil of Chrism – the newly baptised are then anointed with Sacred Chrism as a sign of sealing with the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Like Christ, the one baptised in now an “anointed one”.

White clothing – as a sign of being a new creation clothed in Christ, the one who has been baptised is now covered with a white cloth.

Candle – as a sign of the light of Christ now present in the newly baptised, a candle is presented and lit from the paschal or Easter candle.

Blessing – final prayers and a blessing are given that all present may love and serve the Lord in peace and goodwill.