BAPTISM
Thank you for your inquiry and for your decision to Baptise your child in the Catholic faith. We are delighted that you would like your child to be part of this Catholic community and are excited to be with you on this journey of faith.
The Parish of Pittwater aims to be a community of hope, providing spiritual nourishment to all. We trust that you will be given help and support from this community on your journey of life and faith.
Baptism is the first step of initiation into the Catholic Church and is also the first step of initiation into the local Parish. It is a sacrament that celebrates the entry of your child into the Christian community in the hope that they will be supported and nourished in their faith development as well as becoming an active member of the church.
The Baptism Program – Infant to 6 Years
The program is held over three to four weeks & includes
• The Preparation Evening
• Presentation & Anointing
• Baptism
THE PREPARATION EVENING
These evenings aim to provide parents with information about the Sacrament of Baptism and about the practicalities of the baptism itself.
The preparation evening is compulsory & important to attend by both parents.
When: First Tuesday of the month of Baptism at 7pm (usually)
Where: Sacred Heart Church Mona Vale
PRESENTATION & ANOINTING
The children who are preparing for Baptism are presented to the Parish Community & anointed with sacred oil during Mass. This takes place the week prior to Baptism.
When: Sunday, the week prior to Baptism
Where: Maria Regina Church Avalon
Time: 9am
OR
When: Sunday, the week prior to Baptism
Where: Sacred Heart Church Mona Vale
Time: 10am
BAPTISM
Where: Maria Regina Church Avalon
When: 3rd Sunday of every month
Time: 11:00am
Where: Sacred Heart Church Mona Vale
When: 4th Sunday of every month
Time: 11:30am
The Baptism Program – 7 Years & Older
This program is held twice per year in Term 1 & Term 4 only, & held over four weeks. The program includes
• Three Preparation Sessions (all must be attended)
• Presentation & Anointing
• Baptism
For the preparation of Baptism, the 4-week program is compulsory & important to attend by one parent & children to be Baptised, however both parents are welcome. These preparation sessions aim to provide parents & children with information about the Sacrament of Baptism and about the practicalities of the baptism itself.
PROGRAM DATES - TERM 1
PREPARATION SESSIONS
Session 1: 06/03/2025
Session 2: 13/03/2025
Session 3: 20/03/2025
Where: Sacred Heart Church Mona Vale
Time: 3:30pm
PRESENTATION & ANOINTING
When: Sunday, 23rd March 2025
Where: Sacred Heart Church Mona Vale
Time: 10am
BAPTISM
When: 30/03/2025
Where: Sacred Heart Church, Mona Vale
Time: 11:30am
PROGRAM DATES - TERM 4
PREPARATION SESSIONS
Session 1: 06/11/2025
Session 2: 13/11/2025
Session 3: 20/11/2025
Where: Sacred Heart Church Mona Vale
Time: 3:30pm
PRESENTATION & ANOINTING
When: Sunday, 23rd November 2025
Where: Sacred Heart Church Mona Vale
Time: 10am
BAPTISM
When: Sunday, 30th November 2025
Where: Sacred Heart Church, Mona Vale
Time: 11:30am
ENROLMENT TO BAPTISE
The following is required to enrol your child;
Please click on the pdf link below for the form, we ask that all paperwork be returned to the Parish office. Once all paperwork is received, we will then be in touch to confirm your attendance for Baptism Program events.
You can email the forms to office@pittwaterparish.org or or drop them in to the parish office.
REQUEST FOR INFANT BAPTISM FORM (PDF 435.4KB)
REQUEST FOR OLDER CHILD BAPTISM FORM (PDF 430.9KB)
We only have a small number of families each time in order to help make this a more personal ceremony, so please contact the Parish office (02) 9157 0999 to check that your preferred date is available. We will confirm by direct contact whether or not your requested booking date is available.
The attached Request for Baptism form need to be completed and signed by both Parents and all Godparents/Christian witnesses
• A copy of your child's Birth Certificate
• A copy of the Baptism Certificate for One (1) Catholic Parent
• A copy of the Baptism Certificate for One (1) Catholic Godparent
DONATION
As a Sacrament of the Church, no charge is made for the celebration of Baptism. However, it is customary to give a donation which helps to support the life and the work of the Parish. The donation can simply be placed in the envelope and handed in to the office along with your completed Baptism request form.
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
To help you prepare for your child’s baptism, we have provided answers to some frequently asked questions. (PDF 537.9KB)
OUR PASTORAL PARISH COUNCIL
We would like to encourage you to contribute financially to assist with the ongoing costs that occur as we serve the community. (Optional)
There are 3 options:
• Direct Debit
• Planned Giving Envelopes - available at the back of the Church
• Loose money - given at the second collection during Mass on Sunday
We look forward to celebrating the Sacrament of Baptism with you and we will help make it a happy and memorable occasion. It’s a great day not only for you and your family but for the whole Church as your child begins their life as a disciple of the Lord.
If there is something not covered or you are unsure of, please don’t hesitate to contact the parish office on (02) 9157 0999.