Baptism

BAPTISM INFORMATION FOR PARENTS OF CHILDREN 8 YEARS AND UNDER
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If you reside in Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Parish:
  1. An initial inquiry is made by contacting the Parish Office on 5465 3131 or by email [email protected] . You will be sent an information pack to assist you in planning and preparing for this important sacrament. It is important to start this planning at least two (2) months prior to your preferred date of the Baptism. This allows time to gather your documents, to meet with our Parish Priest, to attend the Baptism Preparation Meeting and to meet our community at the Welcome Sunday.
  2. You will need to provide a copy of your child’s birth certificate. One parent must be Catholic. One godparent must be a confirmed Catholic and should also provide a copy of their Baptism certificate. A non-Catholic may act as a Christian witness, and it is preferable for non-Catholic witnesses to provide a copy of their Baptism certificate. All Godparents and Christian Witnesses must be at least 17 years old. You will also need to declare any Court Orders under Family Law.
  3. Come and introduce your family to our Parish Priest. Prior to the preparation meeting described below, it is essential that that you meet with our Parish Priest, either after any Mass or make an appointment to meet in office hours.
  4. Attend a Parents’ Formation and Preparation Session. These are held in Gatton on a regular basis. Commencing at 10:30am in the Gatton Community Centre adjacent to St Mary’s Church, these meetings generally conclude around 11:30am. Pre-registration for these meetings is required through the Parish Office.
  5. Attend a Welcome Mass (where your child is welcomed into the community). In Gatton, this Mass is held at the 9:00am Mass on the first Sunday of each month, and in Laidley at the 9:00am Mass on the second Sunday of each month. As a parish community we look forward to supporting your family, and meeting you over a cup or tea or coffee after Mass.
  6. If your child is over 4 years of age, your child will have the opportunity to participate in Children’s Liturgy of the Word which is held on Sundays. This will enable him/her to become familiar with the church surroundings, the priest and members of the community.
  7. Celebrate the Baptism which is held on a Sunday either during or after the 9:00am Mass. 
  8. The fee of $100.00 per family is payable to the Parish Office by credit card, cash or bank transfer at least three weeks prior to the Baptism.
  9. We will provide a Checklist and some FAQ's to assist your family in preparing for this important Sacrament.
If you reside in another parish:
  1. Attend Baptism preparation in your local parish.  
  2. Provide a letter from your Parish Priest stating that you have completed preparation and that he is happy for the Baptism to take place in our Parish.
BAPTISM INFORMATION FOR PARENTS OF CHILDREN 8 YEARS AND OVER 
Christian Initiation for Older Children ​
Once children have turned eight (Year Three), they are no longer candidates for infant Baptism. If they have not been baptised, they are enrolled in a modified catechumenate leading to the celebration of Baptism.

However, because of the importance of the peer group in the catechumenate process for children, the celebration of their Christian initiation may also be aligned with the parish celebration of Confirmation and first Eucharist.
 
The fee of $ 100:00 per family is payable to the Parish Office by credit card, cash or bank transfer at least three weeks prior to the Baptism.

We will provide a Checklist to assist your family in preparing for this important Sacrament.