Baptism
Baptism at St Mary's
First and foremost, we wish you our heartfelt congratulations on the birth of your new baby.
We look forward to welcoming you and your new baby into our parish family.
What is Baptism all about?
Baptism is a great gift to give to your child. It welcomes them into the parish faith community founded on Christ’s love for us all. It is with great joy that all are invited into the family of the parish through baptism.
We are delighted with the opportunity this provides to meet with the families concerned and we work hard to ensure that the ceremony itself will be both relaxed and memorable for all.
Are there preparations for Baptism?
As part of the preparation for Baptism, you are welcome to attend just one session and meet with our team (rehearsal included) to make sure you are aware of what happens during baptism of your child.
How do we contact you to make arrangements?
To arrange a meeting with our priest please contact the Parish office by phone or email, and download a request form for baptism via the button below.
We also offer the sacrament of Baptism for Adults.
Baptism for Adults
Baptism for Adults at St Mary's
How does Baptism for Adults work?
Thinking of joining the Roman Catholic Church? The Catholic RCIA stages are a good model of basic faith development.
So, you're developing your faith. Great! Is it a little overwhelming?
Where do I begin?
Well, you just begin from where you are now! Many adults entering the Catholic Church, or those just thinking about it, follow a process known as the RCIA—the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults.
The RCIA process has several distinct stages. These Catholic RCIA stages are a good model of faith development itself, so this
article will fit you whether or not you're actually in the RCIA process.
Enquiry:
The initial period before you decide to enter the Catholic Church. You're asking questions and checking it out, but
aren't yet ready to commit.
Catechumenate:
Those who decide to enter the Church and are being trained for a life in Christ are called catechumens, an
ancient name from the early Church. In this stage, you're developing your faith and are being "catechized"—learning
catechism, or the basic points about Catholic faith and life.
Purification and Preparation:
The Church will help you focus and intensify your faith as you prepare you to commit your life
to Christ and be received into the Church at Easter. If you're following the RCIA process, you'll go through a beautiful series
of Gospel-based meditations during Lent, which is the time frame of this period.
Initiation:
The culmination of the whole process! You're received into the Church during the Easter Vigil Mass, where
you'll receive the sacraments of initiation: baptism, confirmation, and Eucharist. (If you've already been baptized, you won't
be baptized again.)
Mystagogy:
After reception into the Church at Easter, this period lets you reflect and learn more about the mysteries of the
Mass and the Sacraments that you now participate in fully.
Faith will be the foundation of your life. Make that foundation solid!
Go slowly, make sure you've developed the basics well. That will help you avoid discouragement and frustration, two big
enemies of faith development. Also be aware of the importance of orthodoxy in the information you receive. ("Orthodoxy" here means "accurate and faithful" teaching.)
Make sure that you're satisfied with your own faith development in each of the Catholic RCIA stages before moving on to the
next. Don't let pressure from anyone else make you move on. Also watch out for calendar-based pressure—don't say things like,
"If I don't start catechesis now, I won't be done this Easter!" That's the wrong basis for making a decision about your faith and
your life!
I know, sometimes it seems like it takes a long time to work through all of the Catholic RCIA stages. But...
Don't rush it!
How do I prepare for Baptism as an adult?
If you are interested in joining our faith, please get in touch with our Parish priest via phone or email to arrange a meeting.