Guidelines for the Sacrament of Baptism in St Mary’s Cathedral, Sydney
Holy Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit and the door which gives access to the other Sacraments. Through Baptism we are freed from original sin and re-born as adopted sons and daughters of God. We become members of Christ, a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s own people, that we may declare the wonderful deeds of Him who called us out of darkness into His wonderful light. (1 Peter 2:9). Baptism is aptly called by the Church, the Sacrament of Regeneration through water and the word.
(Catchism of the catholic church n.1213)
A child is usually baptised in his or her own Parish Church. Residents of the Cathedral parish wishing to arrange a baptism should contact the Cathedral office on (02) 9220 0400 or email [email protected]
Baptisms are held on Sundays at l:30pm or 2:00pm otherwise 3:00pm and an applicant from outside the Cathedral parish needs to have their own Priest celebrant.
Baptism of Infants
Infants are baptised at the request of their parents or the person who lawfully takes their place who wish to share their Catholic faith with their children.
Baptism of Older Children
Before older children are baptised, they undergo a period of instruction in the Catholic faith appropriate to their level of understanding. This
period will depend upon the understanding of the child.
Baptism of Adults
Candidates for adult Baptism are prepared through the Cathedral RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults). This process usually takes one. year and the Sacrament of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Communion) are administered as part of the Easter Vigil ceremonies on Holy Saturday night.
The role of Godparents
There must be at least one Catholic Godparent to assist the parents with the Catholic upbringing of the baptised child:
- Must be 16 years or over in age.
- Be a member of the Catholic Church.
- Have received Baptism, Confirmation and the Eucharist.
Because the Godparents have a duty to be true examples of Catholic life for the growing child therefore they should be actively practicing the
Catholic faith.
Christian Witness
A baptised and believing Christian from a non Catholic church may serve as a Christian Witness to the baptism along with a Catholic Godparent.
Christian Name
The name given to the child at Baptism is the name the child bears in the Church. It should not be a name foreign to Christian sentiment. It can be the name of a saint or it can express a Christian mystery or virtue.
Role of Parents and Godparents in the Ceremony
In the celebration of Baptism, the parents and Godparents have special
parts to play. They listen to the words addressed to them by the
celebrant, they join in prayer along with the congregation, and they
exercise a special function when:
- They publically ask that their child be baptised.
- They sign their child with the sign of the cross after the celebrant.
- They renounce Satan and make their profession of faith.
- They (especially the mother) carry the child to the font.
- They hold the baptismal candle.
- They are blessed with the special prayers for the mothers and fathers.
Booking
There is no set fee for the celebration of baptism. It is customary to make a donation to the priest who baptises the child. Parents from outside the Cathedral parish are asked to consider making a separate donation to the Cathedral.
Cathedral collection notice
We collect and store your personal information (including your name, contact details,
demographic information (such as age and occupation), financial information (such as bank and
credit card details), identification documents, photographs of you, and information in relation
to your birth and baptism) so that we can:
- contact you in relation to your enquiries; and
- book and make arrangements for you or your child’s baptism at the Cathedral
We generally collect personal information directly from you via our website, or when you
otherwise contact and correspond with us (eg over the phone, via email or in person). If you do not provide us with the personal information we have requested, we may not be able to provide you with services or accept donations from you, to the extent that they require us to collect, use or disclose personal information.
We will only disclose your information in accordance with this Collection Notice, or with your express permission, or where we are required or authorised to do so, by Australian law (including the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 (Cth)).
Further information about how we handle your personal information, including details about how you can access your information and how you can complain about a breach of the Australian Privacy Principles (as well as how we will deal with any complaint) can be found in our Privacy Policy available at Sydney Catholic.
If you have any questions or concerns about how your information is handled, you can contact us by getting in touch with the Cathedral office on (02) 9220 0400 or via email [email protected]
