Baptism
Baptism is the first sacrament. It incorporates us into the Church and through it we are ‘reborn’ as daughters and sons of God.
Baptism is performed by immersion in or pouring of water and the words ‘I baptise you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit’.
Parents who ask to have their children baptised accept the responsibility of training them in the practice of the faith and bringing them up to keep God’s commandments.
Child Baptism
Children's initiation begins with the Rite of Baptism for Children. This is often undertaken when the child is an infant, but it can be undertaken at a later stage up to the age of discernment. Special arrangments are made for children who are older than the normal age for children's confirmation and first communion (school year 3) but not yet reached the age of discernment.
The initial preparation of the parents for baptism is undertaken by the Parish Priest. The parish offers ongoing support to parents during the intervening years between baptism and the other sacraments of initiation. Contact the parish office for information.
Adult Baptism and RCIA 
The process by which adult converts are brought into the Catholic church is called 'Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults', or RCIA. RCIA is a journey of faith with Catholics who are members of this parish community, and with other men and women who are also exploring whether the Catholic faith is right for them. The journey is one of a conversation with others on the same journey, as you search to deepen your relationship with God through Jesus Christ.
Each person's journey is unique: some may journey for 2-3 or more years before making the decision, others may take only a few months. For some, it is their first experience of Christian initiation, while others have already been baptised and now wish to be received into full communion with the Catholic Church.
If you hear God's call and are looking for ways to respond; if you have ever wondered what might be involved in becoming a Christian or being received into full communion with the Catholic Church, please contact the parish office for more information.
R.C.I.A. 2008 / 2009
We have seven candidates who will be continuing their journey of faith in the Catholic tradition. Please let us be prayerfully supportive of them during these next 6 months. On Holy Saturday night at the Easter Vigil Mass each will be received into the Catholic Church. It is a very humbling experience and honour to be a part of these 7 peoples’ spiritual lives. Candy Cosgriff, who “converted” five years ago, will be the RCIA Co-ordinator