Infant Baptism
For Catholics, the Sacrament of Baptism is the first step in a lifelong journey of commitment and discipleship. Baptism is the first sacrament of Christian initation. Through Baptism we are freed from the darkness of our world, we become sons and daughters of God and are embraced into the family of the Church.
If you want to have your baby baptised, the first step is to
contact your local parish who will assist you in preparations.
The baptism ceremony for adults and teens is similar to baptism of children except that you make the baptismal promises yourself. Instead of godparents adults have sponsors whose role is to encourage you in the catholic faith.
Adult Baptism If you would like to be received into the church as an adult you will participate in some instruction through a program - the
Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults or R.C.I.A.
Traditionally adult baptisms take place during the ceremony of the Easter Vigil. In some parishes, therefore, you might be asked to wait for Easter for Baptism.
Confirmation
At Baptism, your child began a life-long journey and a way of life. At Confirmation, the graces received in Baptism are sealed with the reception of the seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit. This sacrament enables your child to be better participate in the worshipping and apostolic life of the Church. The words that Jesus shared with his disciples at Pentecost apply to each one of us at Confirmation, you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses (Acts I: 8). The Sacrament of Confirmation is received by children, who are seven years of age or over, baptised and prepared by their parents with the help of the parish community.
Confirmation is administered by the Bishop and, on rare occasions, by a priest delegated by the Bishop.
Reconciliation
At Reconciliation the focus turns to God's mercy, how we forgive among our family, friends, and community, and how we celebrate forgiveness. By this sacrament of forgiveness, God grants us pardon and peace and calls us to a life of conversion, "the Kingdom of God has come near; repent and believe in the Gospel" (Mk I :15).
Eucharist
First Eucharist completes their reception of the Sacraments of Initiation into the Christian life. The Eucharist brings about our intimate union with Jesus Christ because it is a sacrament of love, a sign of unity and the very presence of the risen Christ who shares his life with us. As Jesus announced, "Those who eat my flesh and drink my blood abide in me, and I in them" (Jn 6:56).
Marriage:
Marriage is a sacrament, an expression of people's connection to God, by which a man and a woman form with each other, an intimate communion of life and love. Marriage signifies the union of Christ and the Church, and it gives the spouses the grace to love each other, with the love with which Christ loves the Church. The Catholic Church's policy requires couples to undergo a Pre-marriage Education course, in order that they prepare well to live out their Christian marriage.
Please
contact your local parish to discuss.
Anointing the Sick
By the sacred anointing of the sick persons (emotional, spiritual and physical) and the prayer of the priests, the whole church commends those who are ill to the suffering and glorified Lord that he may raise them up and save them. Through anointing with oil and the prayer of the priest, the sick receive grace for the salvation of their souls and possible bodily healing.
The faithful are encouraged to
contact your local parish if they or someone they know is in need of this sacrament.
Holy Orders
Holy Orders is the sacrament through which the mission entrusted by Christ to his apostles continues to be exercised in the Church. There are three orders of the sacrament namely: Episcopate (Bishop), Presbyterate (Priest) and Diaconate (Deacon).
To discern your calling of God to the priesthood, please contact the Diocesan Vocation Director, Fr Sam French at
sam.french@bbcatholic.org.au