SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM
"I baptise you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit."
Baptism is the first Sacrament of Christian Initiation and is an act of public worship. It is a ritual rich in symbolism which reaffirms our connectedness to Christ and with one another as committed, active members of a specific parish community.
In St. Monica's Parish when parents request the Sacrament of Baptism for their child, there is a mutual obligation:
Information for families requesting baptism at St Monica’s Parish:
In St. Monica's Parish when parents request the Sacrament of Baptism for their child, there is a mutual obligation:
- The family publicly commits itself to the life of this community
- The parish publicly and formally welcomes its new members and commits itself to the ongoing spiritual and pastoral care of those for whom it has responsibility
Information for families requesting baptism at St Monica’s Parish:
- In 2022, the Parishes of St Vincent de Paul, Strathmore and St Monica, Moonee Ponds began the journey of walking together and working together.
- One of the things which our two Parishes undertake together is Baptism Preparation.
- Once you have completed your Baptism Request Form, you will be invited to join us for our next joint Baptism Preparation Session which will take place in one of the churches, usually towards the end of the month.
- We ask that both parents be in attendance – if you need to bring your children with you, that’s fine by us – we aim to make our session child friendly. The session will last for about 45 minutes. If one parent is unable to be present, we will be able to book you into a later Baptism Preparation Session when both parents are able to attend.
- The godparents you have chosen for your child are also more than welcome to attend with you. You must choose at least one (1) godparent for your child. You may chose a maximum of two (2) godparents. If you chose two (2), one should be male, one should be female. Godparents must be baptised and confirmed Catholics and over the age of 16 years.
- The very best preparation which you can undertake for your child’s Baptism is to attend Sunday Mass regularly with your children and get to know our communities and let our communities get to know you and your family.
- We do not book baptisms until after you have attended a Baptism Preparation Session. We do not take bookings at the session –
bookings are confirmed by the Parish Priest after the Preparation Session. While every effort is made to accommodate you and your family, we are not always able to offer you your first choice of date. - Please be aware that due to the very high number of baptisms which we celebrate, there is often a lead time of several months before dates become available.
- It is customary to make an offering to the Church at the time of your child’s baptism. Your offering contributes to caring for our priests and to the running expenses of the Parish. You may make this offering via EFT or envelopes available at the Baptism Preparation Session.
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Once you have completed this form, please send us it via email:
[email protected] |
