Infant Baptism

St Paul's Church - 1st Sunday of the month.

St Peter's Church - 2nd, 4th & 5th Sundays of month.

St Catherine's Church - 3rd Sunday of the month.

The Christian Community welcomes you with great joy.
Rite of Baptism

Baptism, the welcoming into the Catholic faith community, is the foundation of formation of children in the faith, which fulfils the true meaning of this sacrament. The baptised are brought into the mystery of Easter 'death and resurrection of Jesus Christ', through whom everything baptised in water and in the Spirit is immersed in order to be reborn in new life.

The people of God, that is the Church, made present in the local community, has an important part to play in the baptism of both children and adults.  Therefore, it is desirable that baptisms at Holy Trinity Parish take place communally – either during Mass or with several families gathered together.

GODPARENTS
Godparents must strive to nourish with their words and the witness of their lives the torch of the children’s faith so that they may be shining example in this world and bring it the light of the gospel which is life and hope. (Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, 2010)

• Catholic,
• at least 16 years of age,
• have received the Sacrament of Confirmation, and
• not be the father or the mother of the one to be baptized.

Because godparents speak and act on behalf of the Catholic community, a baptised Christian from another denomination cannot be a godparent but is most welcome to act as a Christian witness in addition to a Catholic godparent (and have their name inscribed on the Baptism Certificate).

Before the celebration of the sacrament, it is of great importance that parents, moved by their own faith or with the help of friends or other members of the community, should prepare to take part in the rite with understanding. (Rite of Baptism)

You can receive baptism at any age. It is a great grace for a child to be baptised soon after birth. Preparation for both parents, including discussion of the signs, symbols and meaning of baptism, is required prior to the celebration of the Sacrament. Godparents are also encouraged to attend.

The Baptism Preparation Meeting is held on the third  Thursday of the month from 7:30pm to 8:15pm. Parents are required to arrange Preparation at least four weeks prior to the Baptism and attend the Baptism Preparation Meeting about 2 - 4 weeks before the baptism.

The Rite of Welcome occurs a week prior to Baptism at the church where the child will be baptised.

Mass times for Presentation of Child to the Community:
St. Peter's Church at 10:30am & 5:30pm
St. Paul's Church at 9:30am
St. Catherine's Church at 10:30am

When the family is invited forward after communion, the priest will ask the parents: “What name have you given the child?” and “What do you ask of the church for your child?” The priest will then make the sign of the cross on the child’s forehead and ask the parents and godparents to do the same.

This is a beautiful opportunity for our Christian community to express their welcome to our newest members.

The Stole and Baptismal Candle are presented to the family at the Baptism Preparation Meeting.

At Holy Trinity Parish, Baptisms are usually celebrated either during one of the weekend Masses or on a Sunday at 12pm with a maximum of four baptisms per service.

St.Paul's Church - 1st Sunday of the month.
St. Peter's Church - 2nd, 4th and 5th Sunday of the month.
St.Catherine's Church - 3rd Sunday of the month.