What is Baptism?

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16). Through his infinite and perfect love for the Father, expressed on the Cross, the Lord Jesus made the life of God available to humanity. This gift of the divine life is called ‘grace’. The goal and reward of grace is sharing God’s life eternally in heaven. God desires that all humanity be saved by receiving grace from Jesus. We receive the grace of God from Jesus by accepting his invitation to become his disciple: “Come, follow me.”

The life of discipleship begins at Baptism. Before departing this world, the Lord Jesus commanded the Church: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you” (Matt 28:19-20). Through Baptism we commit to follow Jesus by turning from sin and believing in him, and we receive from Jesus the grace of God and the promise of eternal life.

The Baptism of Infants

Since its earliest days, the Catholic Church has baptised infants (children younger than five) into the life of Jesus Christ at the request of their Catholic parent(s). Given the spiritual significance of the sacrament of baptism, Catholic parents are encouraged by the Church to have their child baptised as soon as possible after birth.

Baptism Preparation Seminar

In asking to have their child baptised, parents and godparents accept the responsibility of raising their children to live the Catholic faith. For this reason, parents are required to participate in the parish’s Baptism Preparation Seminar prior to their child’s Baptism. It is desirable that godparents also attend. In 2026, four Baptism Preparation Seminars will be offered. The seminars commence at 7pm and are held in the Xavier Centre at 143 Bacchus Marsh Rd, Corio.

Preparation Mass

On the second Sunday of the month, parents of children to be baptised attend the 11am Sunday Mass at St Francis Xavier Corio. At this Mass, the parish prays for the children who are to be baptised. The names of the children will be mentioned by the priest at the start of Mass. Families are not ‘presented’ to the parish.

When is the Sacrament of Baptism administered?

How do I book my child’s baptism?

It is necessary to book your child’s baptism through our Parish Office. We require at least three months notice prior to the Baptism. This gives the family time to participate in our baptism preparation course. When you are ready to book your child’s Baptism, contact our Parish Office by phone or email to secure a date. Then complete the booking form below and send it by email to the Parish Office.

Important Note: To complete the Baptism Application Form on your computer, download the form, save it to your computer, then fill it out, and save the form again to ensure the data is stored. You may also complete the Baptism Application form by printing it out and hand-writing the answers.

Who may be a godparent?

Godparents accept responsibility for the spiritual welfare of their godchild: “A godparent helps the baptized person to lead a Christian life in keeping with baptism and to fulfill faithfully the obligations inherent in it” (Cf. Code of Canon Law, 872). Great consideration should be given as to who may be able to take on this responsibility. It’s important to choose godparents “who lead a life of faith in keeping with the function to be taken on” (Code of Canon Law, 874).

The Catholic Church permits a maximum of two godparents (one male and one female): “There is to be only one male sponsor or one female sponsor or one of each” (Code of Canon Law, 873). Godparents must be at least sixteen years old and be fully-initiated Catholics, that is, they must have received the sacraments of Baptism, Reconciliation and Holy Communion (Code of Canon Law, 874). As long as there is one Catholic godparent, a person baptised in another Christian Church may be permitted to act as a Christian Witness in place of the second godparent (Code of Canon Law, 874). Non-Christian persons cannot be godparents.

Baptism donation

It is customary to make a donation to the celebrant and parish. Corio Lara Catholic Parish recommends a minimum donation of $150 per child ($100 donation to the celebrant and $50 administration contribution to the parish). Families who have been committed stewardship contributors for at least six months are exempt from the $50 contribution to the parish. This donation should be made through the Parish Office prior to attending the Baptism Preparation Course.