The Sacrament of Baptism
The Gateway to life in Spirit
Incorporated into Christ by Baptism, the person baptised is configured to Christ. Baptism seals the Christian with the indelible spiritual mark (character) of his belonging to Christ. No sin can erase this mark, even if sin prevents Baptism from bearing the fruits of salvation. Given once for all, Baptism cannot be repeated. (ccc 1272)
What is Baptism?
Baptism is the foundation of the whole of Christian life. It is the gateway to life in the Holy Spirit and the door that gives access to the other sacraments.
Who can be Baptised?
The Sacrament of Baptism is open to all who desire to enter into the Christian life. Parents may choose for their child to be baptised according to the instructions given in the Catechism of the Catholic Church.
Can our child still be baptised if one or both parents are not Catholic?
Baptism is the sacrament of initiation into the Church. Bringing children into the family of God, the Church, requires parental consent, even if one parent is not a Catholic.
What happens during the Baptism?
The family will gather around the Baptism font, which holds the water used for Baptism. The priest or deacon asks the parents what name they have given to their child and what do they ask for their child and they reply, “Baptism”. Later, the parents make Baptism promises on behalf of their child. These promises are based on the Apostles.
Why is it necessary to be Baptised?
The teaching of the Catholic Church on this topic is as follows:
“The Lord himself affirms that Baptism is necessary for salvation. He also commands his disciples to proclaim the Gospel to all nations and to baptize them. Baptism is necessary for salvation for those to whom the Gospel has been proclaimed and who have had the possibility of asking for this sacrament. The Church does not know of any means other than Baptism that assures entry into eternal beatitude; this is why she takes care not to neglect the mission she has received from the Lord to see that all who can be baptized are “reborn of water and the Spirit.” God has bound salvation to the sacrament of Baptism, but he himself is not bound by his sacraments.” – (Catechism of the Catholic Church 1257)
Baptism Preparation Meeting.
Parents of the eldest child to be baptised have to attend this meeting. The next meetings are on
Tuesday 10th March 2026
Tuesday 14th April 2026
Tuesday 12th May 2026
at 5:30pm in the Parish Seminar Room.
(Catholic Centre, 9-11 Maitland Street, Geraldton)
For booking: please contact the Parish Office.
Who can be a Godparent?
Accepting the role of godparent for either a child or an adult is both an honour and a responsibility. The term “sponsor” is often used when an adult is being baptised. Godparents promise to be good examples in living the Catholic faith and the values associated with the teachings of Jesus.
Can non-Catholics be Godparents? If not, can we choose not to have Godparents?
It is necessary to have one godparent who is a Catholic. Another Christian person may witness the Baptism along with the Catholic godparent.
Why do we have Baptism Candle?
The candle, lit from the Easter candle, signifies that Christ has enlightened the new believer. In Christ, the baptised are “the light of the world”.
Why does the Baptised wear white?
White is symbolic of innocence. Through Baptism our sins are washed away, and we become ‘clean’ because of Jesus Christ.
Can a person be baptised twice?
It is through the Sacrament of Baptism that we enter into the Christian life. Baptism is the “gateway to life in the Spirit and the door which gives access to the other Sacraments” (Catechism of the Catholic Church #1213). So a person cannot be baptised twice.
How do I arrange to have my child baptised?
Once you have decided to have your child baptised into the Catholic Church please contact the parish office. You will be asked to complete a data collection form and when you return the completed Baptism form, you will be able to book a date which is subject to the availability of the Church and a Priest.
Would I be able to book it on a date of our choice?
Indeed you can subject to the availability of the Church and a Priest. Please contact the Parish Office to check the availability
Do I need a booking to attend Baptism Preparation Meeting?
Yes, it needs a booking. Please contact the parish office for booking.
Is there a child minding facility available during the meeting?
Unfortunately, we have no child minding facility. Please plan early and arrange someone to look after your child/children while attending the meeting.
Other General Information
Yes, you can be Baptised, but the process is different. In order for Baptising an adult, the candidate needs to prepare through OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation of Adults) program. Please visit the OCIA information page on this website for more details.
Alternatively you may please contact the Parish Office during the office hours.
It is important to keep the original Baptism Certificate as it will be required for future Sacraments and school admissions. However if you lost the original, you can obtain a copy from the parish office by providing all relevant information about the person baptised. There may be a fee for this purpose.
Certainly. However depending on the age of the child, he/she might need to go through a preparation program called the Order of Christian Initiation of Children (OCIC) in order for the child to understand the purpose of being baptised.
Please complete the requirements from the Parish where you currently live, even if your close family members are still living in Geraldton. Contact the Parish where you live and attend the Baptism Preparation Meeting there if this is for your first child to baptised. Obtain a permission letter from the Parish Priest and send it to us. Meanwhile please get in touch with us and complete the Baptism Information form and send it to us.
"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." (Matthew 28:19)
