Baptism

Baptism

Welcome to Baptism in Our Parish

Baptism is a sacred and joyful occasion — a celebration of love, faith, and belonging. Whether you’re presenting your baby or child for baptism, or seeking baptism for yourself, our parish embraces you with open arms. You are deeply loved by God and wholeheartedly welcomed into our church family.

What is Baptism?

Baptism is the first sacrament in the Church — a profound act that welcomes you into the Christian community and incorporates you into the Body of Christ. Through baptism, we are spiritually reborn as beloved daughters and sons of God.

During the ceremony, water is poured over the head while the priest proclaims the sacred words:

“I baptise you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”

Baptism symbols

There are four key symbols of Baptism:

Water is the central symbol of Baptism. Because water is essential to all life, the water of Baptism symbolises the life-giving grace that sustains all those who have become children of God.

Oil is used twice in the ceremony. Before the Baptism, the child’s chest is smeared with the Oil of Catechumens as a sign of healing and strengthening. Afterwards, the crown of the child’s head is anointed with perfumed chrism as a symbol of joy and thanksgiving, and a sign that as they are now joined to Christ, they too are priest, prophet and royal.

The white garment with which the newly baptised is then clothed symbolises their new life in Christ and is ‘the outward sign of Christian dignity’.

A baptismal candle is lit from the paschal candle beside the font and presented to the newly baptised as a sign of the light of Christ.

A Commitment of Faith

When parents choose baptism for their child, they accept the responsibility of raising them in faith — guiding them to live by God’s commandments and grow in love.

Baptism Schedule

Baptisms are held monthly at our churches, as follows:

1st Saturday of the month Mary Immaculate Church, Ashmore 11.00am

2nd Saturday of the month Guardian Angels Church, Southport 11.00am

3rd Saturday of the month Mary Immaculate Church, Ashmore 11.00am

What to Bring & Wear on the day of Baptism

Dress Code: The child being baptised should wear smart white clothing. Please ensure comfort around the neck for when the head is gently tilted back during the ceremony and the chest is anointed with oil of baptism.

Baptism Candle: A candle is essential. If you’re unable to source one, they are available at our piety stalls located in: Guardian Angels Church Southport – Mary Immaculate Church Ashmore

Baptism Requirement: For a child to be baptised at Southport Catholic Parish, it is required that at least one parent is baptised catholic. In addition at least one godparent must be baptised catholic.

On the Day

Arrival: Please arrive at least 20 minutes before the scheduled baptism. Introduce yourself, your child, and the Godparents to the presiding priest upon arrival.

Need to Reschedule? Contact our parish office by the Friday before the baptism date if you’re unable to attend:

📞 5510 2222

⏰ Monday to Friday, 9:00am – 12:00pm

Register today so we can assist you with your child/ren’s Baptism.

REGISTER / UPDATE MY INFO

It is important that you first REGISTER / UPDATE MY INFO before submitting a Baptism Enquiry.

The parish needs to maintain accurate records, and it is from these records that we will email you the baptism enrolment form. Also it will allow you later to access your child/ren’s Certificates.

Once registered please submit a Baptism Enquiry for your child/ren.

Baptism Enquiry

We look forward to supporting you as your child/ren prepare for Baptism.

Please note if your child is Sacramental Age please DO NOT Complete this form but enrol for the Sacramental Program (found on our webpage) and let the Sacramental Team know your child has not been baptised they will speak with the parish priest and advise, thank you.

E: sacramental.southport@bne.catholic.net.au please email if you have a need to seek further advise regarding sacraments.

If you are not a parishioner and reside outside the boundaries of the Southport Catholic Parish, and wish to request Baptism for your child, please obtain a letter of consent from your local parish priest. This letter should grant permission for the Baptism to be celebrated within our parish. When submitting your Baptism application, please ensure that the letter of consent is attached along with all other required documents. Then please follow the steps above.