Baptism

“I baptise you with water for repentance, but he who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptise you with the Holy Spirit and fire.” Mathew 3: 11

Baptism is the sacrament that marks the beginning of our life of faith. In Baptism, we are welcomed into God's family and begin the journey of getting to know and understand the meaning of God's love. At St. Luke's, there are two programmes of preparation for the sacrament of Baptism depending on the age of the person wanting to be baptised.

baptism of a child

For a baby to be baptised there needs to be 'a well founded hope' that the child will be nourished in the knowledge and practice of the faith. Parents might ask themselves about the 'dream' they have for their children and how faith is going to be nurtured in their child's life.

At St Luke’s, baptism preparation happens in three parts:

  1. Baptism Preparation Programme
    • Contact the parish office to book a place, this step is essential.
    • The programme runs monthly throughout the year.
  2. Presentation at Sunday Mass
    • Your child will be presented to the parish community during Mass.
    • The short ritual includes presenting your child, the naming, and anointing with the Oil of Catechumens.
    • No special clothing is required. Godparents are not required but are welcome.
  3. Celebration of Baptism
    • Baptisms are usually celebrated the following Saturday.
    • Due to demand, baptisms at St Luke’s are normally celebrated communally; individual baptisms are the exception.

If this is not your first child:

  • If you have already completed the Baptism Preparation Programme, you do not need to repeat it.
  • You only need to take part in the Presentation and Celebration of Baptism steps.
  • Please book through the parish office and send in the completed form so we can prepare the certificate.

If St Luke’s is not your regular parish:

  • We encourage you to arrange Baptism in your local parish. Baptism is an important way of building a connection with your parish priest and community.
  • This connection will also support your family if you plan for your child to attend a local Catholic school.
  • If you already belong to another parish, Baptism should take place there.

For further information, please contact our office on office@flatbushcatholic.org.nz

Baptism of an adult

The majority of Catholics are baptised into membership of the Church as a baby or child and grow up in an environment where the Church is always part of their lives.
Some people, however, are moved by the Holy Spirit to consciously and freely seek Baptism later in their life journey.
During the first centuries, the growth of the Church grew largely through the Baptism of adults. In recent years, the Church has returned to many of these first-century ceremonies for welcoming adults who seek baptism into the life of Christ.
This journey of faith, this period of reflection and discovery, and the ceremonies that accompany it have been brought together in a programme the Church calls 'The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults' or 'RCIA'.

More Info

choosing catholic godparents (sponsors)

All individuals baptised in the Catholic Church must have at least one Catholic godparent.

To take on the role of sponsor (godparent), a person must:

  • Be formally chosen as a sponsor and intend to carry out this role.
  • Be at least 16 years of age.
  • Be a Catholic who has been confirmed, has already received the Eucharist, and lives in a way consistent with the faith and responsibilities of a godparent.
  • If married, be married in the Catholic Church.
  • There must be at least one godparent and no more than two. If there are two, one must be male and the other female.
  • Not be the father or mother of the child being baptised.