Baptism is the first of the Sacraments of Initiation.
Within the Cathedral Parish, the Sacrament of Baptism is celebrated after a process of inquiry, formation and discernment.
Infants (under 7 years of age) are Baptised into the Catholic Church at the request of their parents who are "the first teachers of their children in the ways of faith."
The Cathedral Parish welcomes the request of parents to have their children Baptised.
Baptisms take place on the 2nd, 3rd and 4th Sunday of each month at 10.30am Mass, with the Rite of Welcome taking place during Mass and the Baptism taking place after Mass. Please contact the Parish Office for further information and to make a booking.
Baptism Preparation Once families have booked their Baptism date with the Parish Office, it is a requirement you then attend one centralised preparation session for your child before Baptism takes place. These occur on the first Thursday of each monthat 10.00am and 5.30pm in the MacKillop/Glowrey Rooms of St Patrick’s Hall at 3 Lyons St South, Ballarat.
Please note the following:
A Baptism Registration Form may only be received at the preparation session;
Prior to Baptism the Registration Form should be submitted by families to the Parish Office of where Baptism is taking place;
Baptism candle and Sacramental Stole will be provided to families when submitting Registration Form;
Stipend offering may be attended to through the Parish Office.
For Baptism bookings and preparation registrations, please contact the Parish Office.
Parents who present their children for Baptism who are age 7 years and older are invited to participate in the Rite of Christian Initiation of Children process.(click here for the RCIC expression of interest form). This process seeks to engage the child and family in the process of preparation for Baptism. Please phone the Parish Office for further details. Following Baptism, the Cathedral Parish offers support to families in the faith formation of their child with the post Baptism program GodStart.
Please note: Adults who seek Baptism are invited to enter into the process of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA). The RCIA is the process of Christian Initiation for adults that culminates in the celebration of the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist. This is the model for all Christian initiation into the Catholic Church. (RCIA expression of interest form)