Congratulations on bringing your child / children for Baptism!
This is an important occasion, not only for your family, but for the parishes of St Joseph’s & St Ita’s (incorporating St Ignatius).
To help you better understand initiation into the faith Community, the life of faith, which the Sacrament of Baptism signifies, we ask you to participate in a ‘Baptism Preparation Session’, and a “Rite of Welcome’ (which is the first part of the Baptism Ceremony itself).
As the minimum requirement for Baptism in St Joseph’s, St Ita’s, attendance at one of these are necessary. In Baptism parents and Godparents commit themselves to the faith-life of their child/children.
To bring your infant child (under 8 years old) for Baptism in the Catholic Church, one parent must be a Baptised Catholic. It is customary to have your child Baptised within your own parish boundaries. If you do not live within the Warragul, Drouin, Neerim South parish boundaries, you may still come to our parishes for Baptism, but you will need to obtain the written permission from your own parish priest prior to the date of the Baptism itself.
If your child is 8 years or older (no longer an infant in the eyes of The Church) then she/he will require instruction. Please contact the parish to enquire about workshops for the Baptism of Older Children.
The Sacrament of Baptism is generally held on the 2nd & 4th Sundays of the month (except on special feast days like Palm Sunday, Easter, Christmas, etc.,). Baptisms are held at either St Joseph’s Warragul or St Ita’s Drouin. If a Baptism is already booked for a particular date, then the location for all Baptisms that day is set by the preference of the first booking. Occasionally, Baptisms are celebrated during a Sunday Mass.
BAPTISM PREPARATION SESSIONS:
These will be held in the Marian Room adjoining St Joseph’s Church, Warragul, on the first Sunday of the month at 1.30pm. Our next sessions will be on Sunday 2nd February, 2nd March and 6th April at 1.30pm. The sessions go for about an hour. Please do your best to arrive in good time to register. Babies and Godparents are welcome.
THE RITE OF WELCOME:
The Rite of Welcome is where children are presented to the greater St Joseph’s or St Ita’s community at Mass, as they accept and acknowledge the new members joining the Church and God’s family. This can be celebrated at any Sunday Mass you choose (which includes the Saturday night vigil Masses) after attending a Baptism Preparation Session and must be at least one week prior to the Baptism.
BAPTISM OFFERING:
If you would like to make an offering (donation), an envelope will be provided at the Baptism Preparation. Contact the parish for bank account details for direct bank transfer. Your generosity is appreciated.
BAPTISM SASHES AND CANDLES:
These can be purchased from the parishes. Information regarding this will be given at the Baptism preparation session.
BAPTISM REGISTRATION FORM:
When you complete the Baptism Registration Form (online form coming soon), you will receive a confirmation call from the Parish Office. If you have any further questions, please contact the parish office at (03) 5623 1642 or email warragul@cdsale.org.au.
We look forward to seeing you. Thank you.