What is Baptism?

The Sacrament of Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, making us sons and daughters of God and members of the Body of Christ. Through Baptism, we are welcomed into the Catholic Church, the community of faith. When we are baptized, the Holy Spirit comes to live within us. Baptism enables us to receive the other sacraments and grow in the life of the Risen Christ.

The Sacrament of Baptism is often called “the door of the Church” because it is the first of the seven sacraments – namely: Reconciliation, Eucharist, Confirmation, Holy Matrimony, Holy Orders, and the Anointing of the Sick. The reception of all other sacraments depends on it.

Many Catholics receive this sacrament as infants. Before infants are baptized, the parents and the godparents receive preparation for their child’s sacramental faith journey.

In asking to have their child baptised, parents and godparents assume the privilege and responsibility of raising their children to live the Catholic faith. The parishes of Saint Anthony’s and St Bernard’s are here to support families with the information, resources and encouragement that is needed in order to raise a child in the faith. Information you need to know for the Baptism of your child;

Read all the information provided here

Complete the Baptism Registration Form: https://stanthonyofpadua.com.au/baptism-application-form/

Parents to Complete the Online Session on Baptism by Fr Mike Schimtz: https://ascensionpress.com/products/belonging-baptism-in-the-family-of-god-certification-course

Parents and Godparents must attend the Baptism 90-minute Preparation Meeting

Baptism Donation: https://www.melbcatholic.org/s/donate?id=0012w00000LOj5yAAD

If you any enquires please contact Judy at St Anthony’s on 9747 9692 (Mon – Wed) and Dolores at St Bernard’s on 5367 2069 (Tue – Thu) or email Judy or Dolores at enrol4sacraments@gmail.com

When is Baptism offered?

The Sacrament of Baptism is offered at 11.00am on the first and third Saturdays of the month at St Anthony’s Church, Melton South and second and fourth Saturdays at St Bernard’s Church, Bacchus Marsh. It is preferable that we have two months’ notice before a Baptism. To book a date for the Baptism of your child, contact the Parish Office.

Baptism Preparation Meeting

Parents and God-parents of children being baptised must attend this meeting at the parish church. At this meeting you will have the opportunity to meet our priests, catechists, and other parents and godparents. The duration of this meeting is 90 minutes. Kindly arrive 15 minutes prior. So that you can give our presenters your full attention, we request that you arrange care for your children while you attend this session.

Baptism Dates 2024

Baptism Dates for St Anthony’s Parish Church, 67 Exford Road, Melton South

Held on first & third Saturday of the month at 11:00am

6th & 20th January

3rd & 17th February

2nd & 16th March

6th & 20th April

4th & 18th May

1st June

6th & 20th July

3rd & 17th August

7th & 21st September

5th & 19th October

2nd & 16th November

7th & 21st December

Baptism Dates for St Bernard’s Parish Center, 61 Lerderderg St, Bacchus Marsh. Entry via Carpark.

Held on second & fourth Saturday of the month at 11:00am

13th & 27th January

10th & 24th February

9th & 23rd March

13th & 20th April

11th & 25th May

8th June

13th & 27th July

24th August

14th & 28th September

12th & 26th October

9th & 23rd November

14th December

Baptism Preparation Dates 2024

Baptism Preparation dates for St Anthony’s Parish Church, 67 Exford Road, Melton South

Thursday 25th January 2024 at 6:30pm

Thursday 23rd May 2024 at 6:30pm

Thursday 25th July 2024 at 6:30pm

Thursday 26th September 2024 at 6:30pm

Thursday 28th November 2024 at 6:30pm

Baptism Preparation dates for St Bernard’s Parish Center, 61 Lerderderg St, Bacchus Marsh. Entry via Carpark.

Sunday 11th February 2024 at 11:30am

Sunday 14th April 2024 at 11:30am

Sunday 9th June 2024 at 11:30am

Sunday 11th August 2024 at 11:30am

Sunday 13th October 2024 at 11:30am

Godparents

Godparents form a spiritual relationship with their godchildren through Baptism. Therefore, choosing godparents is an important step in planning a baptism. Great consideration should be given as to who may be able to take on this great honour but huge responsibility. Although it would be wonderful to offer this honour to your best friend, if he or she doesn’t share your religious beliefs or does not meet the qualifications set by the Catholic Church, they shouldn’t be your baby’s godparent. It’s vital to choose godparents who are practicing Catholics, since their role is to help your child live a devout Christian life. A praying godparent would pray regularly for their godchild and a godparent who practices his or her faith will be an admirable witness for their godchild helping guide them by example to the person of Jesus.

During the ceremony, godparents make solemn promises before God and the Church to honour their own Baptism and the teachings of the Catholic Church. Your child may have a maximum of two godparents (one male and one female). Godparents must be baptized practicing Catholics. As long as there is one Catholic godparent, a person baptized in another Christian Church may be permitted to act as a Christian Witness in place of the second godparent. Non-Christian persons cannot be godparents.

Baptism Donation

Upon registration, you will be asked to make a $125 donation to the parish. The donation is payable electronically. The donation breakdown is as follows: $100 donation to support the upkeep of the priests in the parish, $25 donation for the Baptism Pack.

You will also need to purchase a Baptism Candle. We have some available through the Piety Stall at the church. Handmade candles can also be sourced from Handmade by Fiona (www.handmadebyfiona.com).

St Anthony of Padua Catholic Parish

Location
67-75 Exford Road, Melton South VIC 3338

Contact Us
03 9747 9692
meltonsouth@cam.org.au