Baptism Program

Baptisms are a community celebration on the 1st and 3rd Sundays of the month. There is a parish preparation program conducted by lay couples. Preparation meetings are conducted on an evening determined by the preparation couple the month PRECEDING the planned month of Baptism. A Rite of Welcome is held at 10.00am Sunday Mass prior to the Baptism. If you wish to arrange for your child's Baptism please contact the Parish Office (telephone 6254 3236). A tentative booking will be made, you will be advised of the preparation couples details and you will be sent a letter (see below) along with a booklet 'Your Baby's Baptism' and a formal registration form. We look forward to welcoming your child into our community

The text of the letter provided to parents seeking baptism for their child

Dear

Thank you for your recent enquiry regarding Baptismal arrangements for your child at St John the Apostle Parish, Kippax.

Congratulations on taking this step in Faith in bringing your child formally to join the Christian Community. In the words of the Baptismal Ceremony you are the “first teacher of your child in the ways of believing, hoping and loving”. The Christian Rite of Initiation, or Baptism, is a significant milestone in the spiritual development of your child.

A booking has been made for your child 's Baptism on xx of xxxx 2008 at xx.xx am/pm. You should now contact the highlighted preparation couple (see below) as soon as possible to confirm this booking and arrange for attendance at the preparation evening.

We want to ensure that you experience God's love through our community in a special way in the lead up to, and at, your child's baptism. It is the Christian Community's responsibility to ensure that the ceremony and those participating are suitably prepared.

Baptisms

At St John's Parish, Baptism involves;

•  Attendance by parent(s) at a preparation night held in the third week of the month preceding the planned Baptism date. Families participate in a group setting, with a host couple, where they will discover, or be reminded of, the rich meaning of our Church's first Sacrament, and the meaning of the various symbols used in the ceremony. You will also be given the opportunity of planning your participation in the ceremony.

•  attendance at a welcoming Mass at 10.00am on the fourth Sunday of the month preceding the Baptism to enable our Community to welcome your child, and,

•  the actual Baptism ceremony.

The Baptismal Preparation Couples:

Toni & James Cox 6254 8450
Robyn & Graham Erickson 6254 6754
Cathy & John Hogan 6254 5257
Libby & Peter Kain 6254 6786
Della & John O'Heir 6254 6780
Mary & Robert Sharf 6278 4649

Please accept the attached booklet on the Sacrament of Baptism as a small gift from our Community. We will use the booklet as a basis for your preparation night and we hope that you find it a handy reference as you and your family prepare for this important celebration.

I have also enclosed a registration form. Please complete this form and bring it with you to the information night.

We look forward to welcoming your child into our community.

Yours sincerely

Michael Fallon msc
Parish Priest