Sacrament of Baptism DardanupAs a parish community we  welcome, support and assist families preparing for the baptism of their child. Please contact the Parish Office on 9728 1145 or visit our contact us page.

“Baptism is the sacrament of faith, but faith needs the community of believers. It is only within the faith of the Church that each of the faithful can believe. The faith required for Baptism is not a perfect and mature faith, but a beginning that is called to develop. The catechumen or the godparent is asked: “What do you ask of God’s Church?” The response is: “Faith!” 
 
 
 
For the grace of Baptism to unfold, the parents’ help is important. So too is the role of the godfather and godmother, who must be firm believers, able and ready to help the newly baptized – child or adult on the road of Christian life. Their task is a truly ecclesial function (officium). The whole ecclesial community bears some responsibility for the development and safeguarding of the grace given at Baptism” 
 
 
 
1253 & 1255 Catechism of the Catholic Church

What does it mean to be a God parent?

  • To accompany the godchildren on their way,
  • To discover the wonders of the world together with them,
  • To be their friend whenever they need a person who has got time to play, to talk or just to be there.
  • To be father or mother if parents are missing or don’t understand,
  • To be father or mother if they fail or cannot cope with their task as parent or as Christians.
  • To intervene between parents and children if there are conflicts when communication becomes difficult
  • To bear witness of what it means to live a Christian life
  • To bear witness of the reliability and the insecurity of faith,
  • To bear witness of the endeavour to be good,
  • To bear witness of how to deal with weakness, failure and guilt,
  • To bear witness of forgiveness offered and received.
  • And to pray for them and together with them  as a friend for a lifetime

What do Godparents have to do at the celebration of baptism?

  • Sign their godchildren with the cross,
  • Declare their readiness to help with the Christian education of their godchildren
  • Confess the faith of the church

What do Godparents have to do during the early years?

  • To keep contact with the parents,
  • To build up a relationship with the godchild,
  • To pray for their godchild,
  • Occasionally to baby-sit if need be,
  • To remember the birthdays of their godchildren,
  • To join in the celebration of their name-feast,
  • To tell their godchild the story of their patron saint (their godparents in heaven)

What do Godparents have to pass on the faith?

  • Pass on the faith by choosing presents (a bible, a prayer book a hymn book, a cross, a holy water bowl, a rosary)
  • Pass on the faith by talking with the child on matters of faith,
  • Pass on the faith by showing interest in their preparation for First communion, first Reconciliation, Confirmation,
  • Pass on the faith by participating in worship together.