The rites for entry of children and adults into the Catholic Church have been revised.
We are reminded that initiation consists of a number of sacraments: Baptism, Eucharist and  Confirmation. Baptism is not merely a personal event in the life of the person being baptised,  nor is it a private family celebration.  It is also an important event in the life of the community in to which they are being initiated.
 
Baptism incorporates us in to the risen life of Christ, and gives us membership into the faith community. There is mutual responsibility involved:  the worshipping community expresses it’s pastoral responsibility to its members, and the family accept its responsibility by nurturing the faith offered in the sacrament.  Guidelines for the Celebration of Baptism for Infants at St Bernadette’s (in line with the Church’s new emphasis on belonging and initiation) –

The local community will support Parish families in nurturing the faith of it’s new members (Canon Law 857/2). Thus, children who live within Sunshine North will be baptised into the Catholic community of St Bernadette’s.  Families living outside the normal parish boundaries are encouraged to celebrate the Baptism within their own Parish. (Families who wish their children to be baptised in another Parish must receive written permission from the Parish Priest.)

Similarly, former Parishioners of St Bernadette’s who have not maintained some active involvement/ministry should celebrate Baptism within their own Parish.  We are happy to introduce families to their appropriate community given they will most likely attend their own parish school and receive the next two sacraments of initiation, Eucharist and Confirmation at the school.

The Sacrament of Baptism will usually be celebrated in our Church on the 2nd Saturday of the month at 11.00 am, but this is subject to change. Parents are required to attend a Baptism Information Evening prior to the Baptism, usually on the first Tuesday of the month.  

The role of the Godparent together with the Parents is to help the child to live a Christian life befitting the baptised.  One sponsor, male or female is sufficient but there may be two, male and female. The sponsor needs to be at least 16 years of age and to be a Catholic who has received the Blessed Eucharist, been Confirmed and who lives a life of faith which befits the role to be undertaken. A non-Catholic person may only be admitted in company with a Catholic sponsor.

A person cannot be re-baptised but can become a Catholic if they are of another faith as a child or as an adult by first participating in a Sacramental Program or RCIA Program.

Please contact the Parish Office by phone or email or make an enquiry via sunshinenorth@cam.org.au

Please note – Baptisms can only be arranged by parents, not grandparents or friends.

Download Baptism Request form