Baptism Information

Baptism is our first sacrament, and it is both the door unto eternal life and the beginning of our initiation into the family of God’s Church. Through baptism, we are ‘reborn’ as sons and daughters of God; we are united to Jesus Christ in his life, death and resurrection; and we are filled with the grace of the Holy Spirit. It is a joyous occasion for both child and parents.

Baptism is never a private event: it is a celebration of the whole Church, welcoming a new member to life in Christ.  This is why it is most appropriately celebrated in the home parish of the child’s family, the Christian community in which the candidate will grow up in Christian faith and love. For this reason, families who live within the Watson’s Bay Parish, or who have committed to the parish as their place of worship, are encouraged to present their children for Baptism here at Our Lady Star of the Sea.

Requests for Baptism from families living outside Watson’s Bay Parish will only be considered for genuine pastoral reasons or if there is some significant connection with the parish. Such families should first approach the the parish where they currently live to request permission for their child to be baptised outside their local parish, and to undertake any preparation the home parish requires.

In all cases, parents are asked to meet with the parish priest – normally on a Sunday morning after 9am Mass – if necessary bringing a letter of permission from their home parish.

Baptisms are normally held on the FIRST AND THIRD SUNDAYS OF THE MONTH, immediately following the 9am Mass.  However, bookings will only be confirmed after parents have met with the parish priest.  Parents will also be asked to present their child for baptism at a Sunday mass prior to the Baptismal liturgy.  For further information regarding baptisms, please phone the Parish Secretary (02) 9337 2033 (Fridays between 9.30am – 1.30pm) or email Fr Gerry Gleeson on [email protected]