Baptism

Baptisms can only occur after baptismal preparation has been completed.
In 2022, we return to having 3 families at each baptismal liturgy (200 people allowed in our church). Each month throughout 2022, we will have 2nd and 3rd Sundays available for baptisms, unless otherwise indicated in our calendar.  Currently, our parish does not accept private request for Baptism. Your date choice must be confirmed by our parish office via return email - our baptismal diary fills up quickly. Attached is our early 2023 calendar, and fully booked sessions are noted. Please see other information that requires your attention.
  • Baptismal preparation - Our Sacramental Team is offering a baptismal preparation in our church on Sunday 27th November 2022 at 10.30am for Baptisms in December onwards and Sunday January 8th 2023 at 10.30am for Baptisms in January onwards.   Email osastjames@bne.catholic.net.au that you are available. Baptisms can only occur after the baptismal preparation has been completed. After the Baptismal preparation, your family has the...
  • Welcoming Rite - Presentation of your child to our parish community a week or 2 before the Baptism at a mass that is convenient to your family (Saturday Vigil 6pm; Sunday 7am or 9am). This information is placed on the baptismal form so that we can inform our parish priests to expect you.
  • Baptismal Liturgy after Sunday 9am mass at 10.30am (to be attended by baptismal parents; baby; godparents; family & friends according to number restrictions + hygiene procedures given by Qld Gov't and Arch Bne). You are cordially invited to the 9am mass if this fits in with your schedule.
  • Choosing Godparents - see below. 
Click here to download Baptism Enquiry Form and then email completed form to osastjames@bne.catholic.net.au
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As parents, you rightly rejoice in the birth of your child.  God has blessed you with the precious gift of a child and now you want nothing short of the best for him or her.  In requesting your child for Baptism, you are formally requesting his/her entry into God's family.  The local Christian community or parish is God's family as far as each of us is concerned.  Hence, it is fitting that the baptism of your child should take place in your own parish church with as many people as possible present to welcome the new Christian.

Through the Sacrament of Baptism, your child will become a child of God and a sharer in his life.  Baptism marks the beginning of this new life.  It is the first step.  At the very beginning of the ceremony, you will be addressed as follows:
Parents, you have asked to have your child baptised.  In doing so, you are accepting a responsibility for training this child in the practice of the faith.  It will be your duty to bring the child up to keep God's commandments, as Christ taught us, by loving God and our neighbour.  Do you understand clearly what you are undertaking?
The decision to have your baby baptised must come only after serious consideration.  Why?  Baptism does not end once the celebration is over.  Nor, as we have seen above, is baptism something which pertains to the child alone:  the parents are involved.  It is through them that the child will come to know the love of God.  It is through them that the child will learn to go beyond the family circle and become involved with the larger community.
Choosing Godparents
Often here, culture is taken into account:  for some, it is a deep and life-long bond, for others merely a passing honour.  During the ceremony, the godparents are asked:  "Are you ready to help these parents in their duties as Christian parents?"  No shallow question  ...  no small responsibility.  In choosing, you are looking for a mature member of the Catholic Church, one who has received the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist) and has attained the age of 16 years.

It ought to be:
  1. that at least one Catholic godparent is nominated
  2. that this Catholic godparent sends a copy of their baptismal certificate to our parish office
  3. that the godparent(s) be present so that they can make their commitment publicly
  4. that they be examples to the child of what Christian life is.

Parents and Godparents, keep the flame of faith alive in the heart of your child and when the Lord comes, may you go out to meet Him.  (Final exhortation in the Rite of Baptism)