Sacrament of Baptism

WELCOME: Welcome to Saint Augustine’s Parish for the Baptism of your child.  This is a time of grace for you and your family.

Times

Baptisms are normally celebrated on the following days/times:

  • Yass   Parish - Saturdays  10.30 am
  • Gunning  Parish -  Sundays   12.30 pm

You should contact the parish secretary to book a suitable date for the Baptism, the Baptism Preparation Course and the Rite of Welcome.

Baptism Preparation Course

Families are required to attend a Baptism Preparation Course before their child's Baptism. These are held on the 1st Thursday of every month at the Hartigan Centre (Meehan Street Yass) starting at 7pm. Duration is 30-45 minutes.

Rite of Welcome for Baptism

Families are also invited to attend a weekend Mass prior to the Baptism so they can be welcomed by the parish community.

Information for Parish Records

Please fill out this form.  This should be  forwarded to the parish secretary no later than 14 days prior to the date of Baptism.  Please take care to fill out all sections correctly.

Godparents

These should be people who can take an interest in the child’s Catholic upbringing and spiritual welfare.  There should be at least one baptized and confirmed Catholic.  Occasionally a non-Catholic may be considered.  Such cannot be a ‘Godparent’ but should be nominated as Christian Witness.  On the form there are declarations to be made by Catholic parents, non-Catholic parents, godparents and Christian witnesses.  If these cannot all be declared now, keep this page and hand it in, filled in, at the time of the Baptism.  But send the other information to us.  If a particular godparent cannot be present on the day, a proxy may stand in.  Let Father Peter know at the time of the Baptism.

The Child

The child will be presented with a white garment during the ceremony.  It is a symbol of the innocence of the newly-baptised.  The parents will also receive a candle lit from the Paschal Candle, a symbol of Christ our Light and symbolic of the Light of Faith.  During the ceremony the child is anointed twice.  The first time is on the chest.  Please ensure that clothing can be easily loosened for this.

Baptismal Certificate

A Baptismal Certificate will be presented after the ceremony.  Keep this in a safe place for future reference.

Donation

It is customary to make an offering on the occasion of the child’s baptism.  This can be given to Father Peter after the ceremony. (A usual donation is $50)