Baptism
The Sacrament of Baptism is the first Sacrament of Initiation. It involves ritual washing with water, commonly known as a symbol of life and cleansing. Water is poured over a person’s head (or the person can be immersed in water). This action is a symbol of washing away Original Sin, rising to new life in Christ and marks the beginning of a person’s participation in the mission of the Church.
What happens next?
To start the process to have a child baptised please follow the steps outlined below. Once you submit your enquiry you will receive a welcome email from our team with a link to the enrolment portal where you will be required to upload the necessesary supporting documents. Enrolment into the Baptism Program will be confirmed with an email from the Parish Team. Baptism enquiries and enrolments are supported by our parish team from Wednesday to Friday. We appreciate your patience and understanding during these times. The new process starts 30th July.
It is customary to have your child baptised in the parish where you live. However if you worship in another parish outside the canonical parish boundary then that is your “parish”. If you worship in a parish outside the Ipswich Catholic Community but wish to have your child baptised here, you do require the permission of the parish priest of where you worship. If you do not worship at any church but wish your child to be baptised then you will need to make an appointment to chat with our parish priest.
Please note that Baptism is not a “one off” event. It is a commitment to guiding your child to become a full member of the worshiping community, by regularly attending Mass and we the parish in turn are making a commitment to you and your child to support them in this faith journey.
If your family lives outside our Parish area, we kindly ask that you seek permission from your local parish, in keeping with Church Canon Law. This helps ensure that your family is supported within your own parish community as you continue the commitment of your child’s faith journey.
Your Child's Baptism Journey
Part 1 - Attend a Baptism Preparation Session - Sessions are held on the 1st Thursday of the month at 7pm for approximately 1 hour. During this session, you will meet other families who will be celebrating their child’s Baptism at the same time as your child. You will also have an opportunity to explore the beautiful rituals and rich symbolism that make up the Sacrament of Baptism. Your facilitator will also prepare you for the Baptism Liturgy.
Part 2 - Attend The Presentation Mass - As Baptism initiates your child into the Catholic faith, they are also being welcomed into the Ipswich Catholic Community. The Presentation Mass is an opportunity for our Parish family to welcome your child and your family to our community. You can choose either the 5:30pm Saturday Vigil Mass or the 9:00am Sunday Mass the weekend before your child’s Baptism. Both Masses are in St. Mary's Church, Woodend. During the mass, the priest will invite you to come forward and introduce you and your child to the parish community.
Part 3 - The Rite of Baptism - This generally takes place at 10:30am on most Sundays in St. Mary’s Church and usually includes up to 4 families. Your family and friends are invited to participate in the rite together with you, your child and the godparents. The Baptism Booklet (provided on the day) will have an outline of the rite and spoken responses so everyone can be part of this important sacrament. The rite takes around 30 mins.
What is Baptism?
Baptism is the first of three Sacraments of Initiation in the Catholic Church, the other two being Confirmation and Eucharist. Through Baptism we are incorporated into the body of Christ.
Baptism is celebrated by immersion or the pouring of water with the words“I baptise you in the name of the Father,and of the Son,and of the Holy Spirit”.
Parents who ask to have their children baptised accept the responsibility of training them in the practice of the faith and bringing them up to keep God’s commandments.
Symbols used in Baptism
Water
Water is the central symbol of Baptism. Because water is essential to all life, the water of Baptism symbolises the life-giving grace that sustains those who have become children of God.
White Garment
The white garment with which the newly baptised is clothed symbolises their new life in Christ.
Candle / Light
A baptismal candle is lit from the paschal candle and presented to the new member as a sign of the light of Christ.d.
Oil of Catechumens & Oil of Chrism
Oil is used twice in the ceremony. Before the Baptism, the child’s breast is anointed with the Oil of Catechumens as a sign of healing and strengthening.
After Baptism, the crown of the head is smeared with the Oil of Chrism as a symbol of joy and thanksgiving.
The Assembly
The assembled community at Baptism is a symbol of welcome and represents the community of Christ into which the baptised will be incorporated.
The Word of God
The scriptures are always proclaimed at a baptismal liturgy. Jesus is present in the proclamation of the word, calling the gathered community to be disciples. We are reminded that the Christian story is a living story, carrying on throughout the generations and continues through each baptised person.
The Sign of the Cross
The Sign of the Cross is the mark of Christians leading us into the full story of the Paschal Mystery – life, suffering, death and Resurrection.
Parents and godparents trace the cross as a sign that we are claimed by the One who has created us, and who came among us in Jesus, and who continues to journey with us in the Spirit, and who will welcome us home in the life to come.
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