Baptism of a Child

At St. Patrick's, the baptismal preparation program for a child is in three parts:

• Participation in a Baptism Preparation Programme. Please contact the Cathedral Office to book into the preparation course. This is essential.
• Presentation of your child to the Christian community of St Patrick's at either the 8am or 11am Mass. The presentation is a simple ritual within the Mass that involves presenting your child, the naming and the usual anointing with the Oil of Catechumens (no special clothing is required and godparents are not required to be present but are most welcome). Please sit towards the front so we are able to easily identify you. The priest will guide you through the ceremony itself.at either the 8 am or the 11 am Mass.
• The Celebration of Baptism then takes place the following Saturday, usually at 11 am (see below for times and dates)

Because of the large number of requests for baptism at the Cathedral, the Rite of Baptism is celebrated communally. Individual baptisms do occur at the Cathedral but you will need to provide your own priest, and speak to him about the appropriate baptismal preparation.

If this is not your first child to be baptised and you have already completed a preparation programme, you are not required to participate in another programme. You will need only to take part in the Presentation and Baptism steps as out lined above. Please book directly with the Cathedral Secretary and send in the completed form so that she can prepare the Certificate.

We would ask that you make a donation of $50 which would help us cover expenses. Please enclose this with your booking form. (If for any reason this causes hardship please do not hesitate to speak to the Cathedral Secretary). If you are already taking part in the Cathedral planned giving programme then the donation is optional.

Contact the Cathedral Office for a copy of the baptism information leaflet and registration form.