Baptism
In Baptism, the Church uses water, which suggests cleansing, satisfying thirst, life, and a sharing in the life of God.
Life cannot exist without water. It is the ideal element for the celebration of a sacrament which brings about a new birth into the family of faith, and a sharing in the life of God.
The Catholic Church understands Baptism as an action of Christ and the Spirit by which a new member is added to God’s family. In the waters of Baptism all sin is forgiven and it marks the beginning of a lifelong process of growing in union with God.
Like every birth, it is a beginning, and needs to be lived out daily for the rest of our life. Baptism is not primarily for infants, the first Christians were adults.
Adult Baptism
The Church welcomes those who seek to become members of the Christian community through a process of initiation.
The process invites participants to encounter Christ and deepen their faith, culminating in the celebration of the sacraments of initiation: Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist.
It incorporates participants into the family of the Church and involves the entire Christian
community.
The Rite of Christian Initiation – a journey
- For adult people who would like to know more about the Catholic faith.
- For those wishing to become Catholic.
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is a process of Christian formation by which those who are seeking full communion with the Catholic Church. RCIA may also be referred to as ‘the Catechumenate’.
The RCIA responds to Christ’s invitation to unbaptised (catechumens), and to candidates (those who have received Baptism in other Christian denominations), to come and see how the Catholic community live, pray and worship.
The process supports those seeking to deepen their personal relationship with Christ through developing familiarity with the Gospel teachings, deepening the personal experience of prayer and worship and help discern the movement of the Holy Spirit.
Conversion to Christ is at the heart of this journey both for those seeking membership of the Church and the parish community. The prayers and welcome of the wider Parish community, provides hospitality for new members to fully assimilate and actively engage in the life of the Church.
For more local information please contact the Parish Office at secretary@infantjesusparish.org.au
Infant Baptism
The baptism of an infant presupposes an environment in which the child will receive the education and example within their family that will lead them to become more aware of the value of God’s gifts and of Christ’s call to follow him within the Catholic Church. It is therefore understood that at least one parent is Catholic.
If you are interested in having your child baptised in the Infant Jesus Church the first step is to contact the parish office.