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.
If your child is already in school, the preparation program is different to the program outlined below. There are currently NO places available for 2022, and enrolements for 2023 will take place from February.
The Catholic Parish of Pittwater Community, celebrates the Sacrament of Baptism on the third Sunday of each month at 11 am at Maria Regina Church, Avalon, and the fourth Sunday of each month at 11.30 am at Sacred Heart Church, Mona Vale. 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 to check that your preferred date is available. We will confirm by direct contact whether or not your requested booking date is available.
There are currently places available for the Infant Program (Ages 0 to 5 Years) at Maria Regina Church, Avalon in September, October & November and Sacred Heart Church Mona Vale in September and October.
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 following is required to enrole your child;
- The attached Request for Baptism form needs to be completed and signed by both parents and all godparents/Christian witnesses “Request for Baptism” (PDF 34MB)
- 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
We ask that all of the above paperwork be returned to the Parish office. We will then be in touch to confirm your attendance at the following 3 events;
i) Baptismal Preparation Evening - These evenings aim to provide parents with information about the Sacrament of Baptism and about the practicalities of the baptism itself.
ii) Presentation and Anointing of Children during Mass (9am at Maria Regina Church, Avalon or 10am at Sacred Heart Church, Mona Vale).
iii) Baptism 3rd Sunday-Maria Regina Church, Avalon or 4th Sunday-Sacred Heart Church, Mona Vale. This date will be confirmed with you once the forms have been submitted.
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.
To help you prepare for your child’s baptism, we have provided answers to some frequently asked questions. (PDF 537.9KB) If there is something not covered or you are unsure of, please don’t hesitate to contact the parish office on 9157 0999 (ext 0).
Our Pastoral Parish council 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.
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to call our Parish Office on 9157 0999 (ext 0), and we will be happy to assist you.
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.