For Catholics, the Sacrament of Baptism is the first step in a lifelong journey of commitment and discipleship. Whether we are baptized as infants or adults, Baptism is the Church’s way of celebrating and enacting the embrace of God.
Congratulations ! because “the Christian Community welcomes you” This sentiment is at the heart of the baptism you are requesting for your child. In the celebration of baptism, the Church uses different symbols, prayers and readings to express that your child is being initiated into the Christian community, which is, as St. Paul stated, “the Body of Christ”. Or, as another writer put it: Baptism is the entrance gate of the Christian life’. Life is a journey, so too is the Christian life. In presenting your child for Baptism, you are stating that you want your child to be part of the Christian community a community on a journey. Your child’s participation in the Christian journey will lead her or him into the ever unfolding mystery of God: to learn to know and love God. Commitment to the Christian life is not always easy, but we have Jesus’ word that it is well worthwhile. To you, your child and your family, the Parish of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart says, “ Welcome!
STEPS TO YOUR CHILD’S BAPTISM
The Baptism Enquiry
Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Parish (OLSH) takes your request very seriously. Please find attached the Baptism Request Form. Read it carefully and fill in the required details, making sure the details are correct. This is important because it will facilitate the access of your child’s record later in life as well as appearing correctly on the baptism certificate you will receive.
Date and Time of Baptism
Please note that the set date for the baptism of children is the 2nd Sunday of the month during the 9.30 am Mass. However, arrangements can be made for holding your child’s baptism at another Mass on the 2nd Sunday of the month or at a Mass on another Sunday of the month. What is of importance is that your child’s baptism takes place during a Sunday Mass, since every baptism is a communal and parish event.
Preparation Session for Parents and Godparents
Next, we invite you, the parents and godparents, to a one off baptism preparation session. At this session, which is friendly and informal, our baptism presenter will explain the baptismal ceremony including its theological meaning and responsibilities. These sessions are held on the 1st Monday of each month from 7.00 – 8.00 pm at the OLSH Catholic presbytery (4 Hartley St) which is the building next to the church. This baptism preparation session is required for the parents and, where possible, the godparents of the child.
Choosing Godparents
The role of the godparents is to actively support the parents in bringing up their child in the Catholic faith. It does not, therefore, make sense to have godparents who are either not Catholic or Catholics who are not practicing their faith.
Offering
Please find attached with the Baptism Form an envelope for your baptismal offering which will assist with the baptism certificate and other administration costs. The suggested offering is $50. We understand if your circumstances may prevent you from giving this amount. Please present your donation to the parish office prior to your baptism date.
If you live outside OLSH Parish
We encourage you to have your child baptised in the parish in which you live because baptism is about belonging to a faith community, (your faith community). However, your child is welcome to be baptised in this parish, if you have a letter from your parish priest stating that you have spoken with him and have fulfilled all the conditions required by your home parish for the baptism of your child. Together, we can make your child’s baptism a joy filled and spiritually enriching experience as you begin her/his faith journey. Above all, let us remember:
“Baptism is a tremendous privilege because baptism makes your child a child of God and a member of the Body of Christ”.
Preparation meetings by appointment. One month notice required.
Please contact the Parish Office.
Catholics believe the Eucharist, or Communion, is both a sacrifice and a meal. We believe in the real presence of Jesus, who died for our sins. As we receive Christ’s Body and Blood, we also are nourished spiritually and brought closer to God.
What is required to receive Holy Communion?
‘To receive Holy Communion one must be fully incorporated into the Catholic Church and be in the state of grace, that is, not conscious of being in grave sin. Anyone who is conscious of having committed a grave sin must first receive the sacrament of Reconciliation before going to Communion. Also important for those receiving Holy Communion are a spirit of reconciliation and prayer, observance of the fast prescribed by the Church, and an appropriate disposition of the body (gestures and dress) as a sign of respect for Christ.’
Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, pp.291
Children who do not attend OLSH may enroll in a preparation class held at the St. Francis Centre on Adamson Avenue. Class normally begins in March with First Holy Communion taking place in October.
Parishioners who are invalid, aged, or otherwise unable to attend Mass may make arrangements for a priest or eucharistic minister to present Communion at the parishioner’s residence.
For details of first Reconciliation please contact the Parish office.
The Catholic Sacrament of Reconciliation (also known as Penance, or Penance and Reconciliation) has three elements: conversion, confession and celebration. In it we find God’s unconditional forgiveness; as a result we are called to forgive others.
Reconciliation is on every Saturday 11:30am & 5:30pm.
For details of first Reconciliation please contact the Parish office.
Confirmation is a Catholic Sacrament of mature Christian commitment and a deepening of baptismal gifts. It is one of the three Sacraments of Initiation for Catholics. It is most often associated with the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
Children who do not attend OLSH may enroll in a preparation class held at the St. Francis Centre on Adamson Avenue.
For details please contact the Parish office.
For Catholics, the Sacrament of Marriage, or Holy Matrimony, is a public sign that one gives oneself totally to this other person. It is also a public statement about God: the loving union of husband and wife speaks of family values and also God’s values.
Preparation for Marriage requires at least twelve months notice. Couples must meet with a priest to begin the preparation and paperwork. Please contact the Parish Office.
In the Sacrament of Holy Orders, or Ordination, the priest being ordained vows to lead other Catholics by bringing them the sacraments (especially the Eucharist), by proclaiming the Gospel, and by providing other means to holiness.
For details please contact the Parish office.
The Catholic Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick, formerly known as Last Rites or Extreme Unction, is a ritual of healing appropriate not only for physical but also for mental and spiritual sickness.
Please contact the Parish Office to be put in touch with a priest to make arrangements for this Sacrament.