Ryde-Gladesville Parish Group Baptism Bookings

Belonging Baptism Program

Dear parents/guardians,

Welcome to our Baptism registration portal. Here you will be able to view and book your child's Baptism from among the available dates and times. However, prior to proceeding with your booking, there is some key information that we'd like you to be aware of.

At our Parish, formation is an essential part of all of our sacramental programs. For parents seeking to have their children baptised, the completion of a two-part formation program, entailing an online and in-person component, is required.

For the online course, parents will be invited to complete Ascension Press’ ‘Belonging: Baptism in the Family of God Certification Course’, which consists of six easy-to-complete modules that ‘seeks to equip you for parenting your child through the sacrament of Baptism, as well as the joyful, lifelong journey of faith ahead'. In the words of Ascension Press:

‘This program will help you to go deeper into the meaning of this foundational sacrament of faith, the baptismal rite itself, the roles of parents and godparents, and the call of Christian family life. Each section will help you to renew and heighten your understanding of the Catholic Faith, while offering practical ways to immerse your family more deeply in the mystery of Baptism.

The reality of Baptism – much like parenthood itself – is complex. Having your child baptized is not a mere ceremonial sprinkling with water or a cultural rite of passage. Rather, Baptism is nothing less than a spiritual rebirth that brings your child into a relationship with Jesus and his Church.’

We believe that this program will be of immense intellectual and spiritual benefit to you individually, as a couple, and in your vocation as parents.

After watching the online videos and completing the associated quizzes, you will be issued a certificate which you are required to send to the parish via email at baptism@rgcp.org.au prior to attending the preparation class.

These classes will be held between 6:30pm-8pm on the third Tuesday of every month. You are required to attend the class prior to your child’s baptism.

Both the online certification program and the preparation class are compulsory. Failure to complete the program and/or attend the class will mean that your child’s Baptism is postponed.

An email with the link to the ‘Belonging’ program and the dates for the classes will be sent to you after completing your enrolment via our Parish website. During the registration process you will be able to book your preferred location, date and time, according to availability.

To cover administration costs and the cost of the formation program, the Parish recommends the following donations:

• $100 for group Baptisms

We kindly ask you to make these donations at the end of the registration process on TryBooking.

The following are some important matters to consider as you approach your child’s Baptism:

1. Godparents/Sponsors – the role of the Godparents is to assist the parents as the child is brought up in the Catholic faith. For this reason, the Godparents should be:

   • Mature enough to accept this responsibility

   • Fully initiated Catholic Christians (Baptised and confirmed Catholics who have received their First Communion)

   • 16 years of age or older

Having a Christian of another denomination to be a ‘witness’ is permissible if the other Godparent is a fully initiated Catholic, and as long as they are not Jehovah’s Witnesses or Mormons.

Traditionally, two God parents are required, though more than two are counted as witnesses.

2. Photographs – in order to keep the sacredness of the sacrament, photography will be limited during the ceremony and we ask that you are respectful when taking photos.

3. Family Mass - A good way to prepare for the sacrament of Baptism, is to attend the weekend celebration of Mass.  At Our Lady Queen of Peace on the 3rd Sunday of the month at 9am and at St Charles Borromeo Church on the 4th Sunday of each month at 10am, we have a family Mass.  This may be a good opportunity to connect in with the parish community as it is usually followed by a morning tea as well. Alternatively, in preparation for the sacrament, feel free to attend any of the Masses which occur over the weekend:

• Our Lady Queen of Peace – Sat 5pm & Sun 9am

• St Charles Borromeo – Sat 6pm & Sun 8am, 10am and 6pm

5. Play Group - At Our Lady Queen of Peace in the Parish Hall from 9 – 10:30am on a Wednesday morning during school term.  At St Charles Borromeo in the Parish Centre from  9 – 11am on a Thursday during school term (access via the hall/parish office entrance turn left and head downstairs).  The morning begins and ends with reflection for the parents.  Please bring along morning tea for your child.  There is an opportunity for painting, reading, free play and for the children to learn about God and their faith in a fun environment.

We thank you for choosing Ryde-Gladesville Parish for your child’s Baptism and we look forward to accompanying you and your child on this faith journey.

Should you have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact us on 9807 2966 or via email at baptism@rgcp.org.au.

God Bless,

Judy Raumer
Executive Assistant to Fr Greg