Infant Baptism

Children under the age of seven years are baptised on presentation by their parents. It is most appropriate that their baptism takes place within the assembly of the parish community at its principal celebration: the Sunday Eucharist.

Baptisms are generally celebrated at the 9.30am Mass on the last Sunday of the month. Parents are required to attend a Baptism Preparation meeting, which takes place the preceding month. Sponsors (godparents) are welcome to attend.

Sponsors

There is to be a sponsor for infant baptism, who must be a Catholic who has received the sacraments of Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation; be at least sixteen years old, and lives a life of faith befitting the role of assisting the parents in the Catholic formation of their child.

There may be a second sponsor, who fulfils the same requirements. In place of the second sponsor, there may be a Christian witness, who is a baptised Christian living a life befitting the role.

Baptism of children of catechetical age

Children over the age of seven receive the sacraments of Initiation after an extended period of formation and catechesis in the Catholic faith, supported by their parents.

Their reception into the Catholic Church generally takes place at Easter.

Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults

Adults seeking to enter into the Catholic Church through the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist enrol in the RCIA. This is usually advertised in the second half of each year, looking to receive thesacraments at the following Easter.

Please contact the Parish Office, at St Bede’s, Balwyn North on: balwynnorthkeweast@cam.org.au, or 9401 6355.