Holy
Baptism
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 sin and reborn as sons and daughters of God; we become members of Christ, are incorporated into the Church and made sharers in her mission…
Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1213
Children 0-6 Years Old
Eligibility
Eligibility for Holy Baptism requires that children have at least one parent who is a baptised, practicing, Catholic. This is to ensure that the faith of the child is nourished and encouraged as they develop.
Presentation & Formation
On a Sunday prior to the baptism, children and their parents are asked attend a Mass at which the child will be presented to the parish community.
At a point in the Mass, Father will invite the parents and child to come up and stand on the sanctuary tiles. He will ask the parents the child’s name and confirm their commitment to raising the child in the faith.
Afterwards, these parents attend a formation lesson in the parish hall. Upon completion the child is ready for baptism. If parents have had children baptised at St. Michael’s in the past, there is no need to attend the lesson.
The Baptism
Baptisms are celebrated at St. Michael's on most Sundays at 11.30am, outside of Mass.
The ceremony lasts for about half an hour. We try to avoid having more than three children baptised at the same ceremony.
Baptism is a beautiful moment for your child, for your family, and for the Church, and we are very pleased to be celebrating it with you.
Connect
For further help please contact our Parish Secretary Jo Tabuteau on 9418 3479 or admin@lanecoveparish.org.au
Children 7-12 Years Old
Eligibility
Eligibility for Holy Baptism requires that children have at least one parent who is a baptised, practicing, Catholic. This is to ensure that the faith of the child is nourished and encouraged as they develop.
Children aged 7-12 require a period of formation prior to baptism so that in understanding what baptism is, the child can make an informed, personal choice for it.
Before being accepted into the program each candidate, accompanied by a parent, needs to introduce themselves to Father after Mass one Sunday.
Formation
Formation consists of:
Attendance at a Commitment Mass and activity night.
Attendance at three formation sessions. These sessions begin with Sunday Mass at 9:30am, followed by a parent & child Baptism lesson in the parish hall.
Attendance
Full attendance is expected. Missing the Commitment Mass or a lesson will delay baptism until the program runs again next year. We consider the spiritual formation of the children more important than other commitments and we trust that parents recognise this importance too.
Important Dates—2025
The dates and times for these formation sessions are:
Saturday Ist November, 5:00pm—Activity night in parish hall followed by Commitment Mass.
Sunday 9th November, 9:30am—Mass followed by Ist Baptism Lesson.
Sunday 16th November, 9:30am—Mass followed by 2nd Baptism Lesson.
Sunday 23rd November, 9:30am—Mass followed by 3rd Baptism Lesson.
Sunday 30th November, 9:30am—Baptisms occur during this Mass.
Connect
For further help please contact our Sacramental Co-Ordinator, Lisa Rossi on 9427 2034 or at sacraments@lanecoveparish.org.au
Adult Baptism
Adult baptism comes through participation in the RCIA program (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults).
Click the ‘Becoming Catholic’ button to find out more.
“Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.”