Baptism
Baptism is the beginning of our faith and our gateway into the Church. It is the first of three Sacraments of Initiation. Through Baptism we are freed from sin and reborn as sons of God; we become members of Christ, are incorporated into the Church and made sharers in her mission: "Baptism is the sacrament of regeneration through water in the word". (CCC 1213)
Availability
In our parish we offer the opportunity to celebrate Baptisms on 2 Sundays of the month:
The 1st Sunday of the month at Sacred Heart Church – St Albans
And the 3rd Sunday of the month at Emmaus Church – Sydenham
They are at 12pm and are community baptism services with up to 4 families in each ceremony.
Bookings are required and usually at least 3 months’ in advance. Bookings in February, March and April 2026 need to be made directly with the Parish Office
To baptise a child into the Catholic Church at least 1 parent must be a baptised Catholic and will be asked to provide a copy of their baptism certificate.
It is compulsory that parents attend a baptism preparation session before the date of their child’s baptism. There are two sessions each month. The sessions are held on the first Thursday of the month at Sacred Heart Church and on the third Thursday of the month at Emmaus Church. Sessions commence at 7.00pm and go for approximately 1.5 hours. At least 1 parent must attend but the whole family, including godparents, are welcome. Families will attend a welcome mass prior to the baptism day. Times and location will be confirmed at the preparation session.
Candle and Stole
The parish provides a candle and stole for each child. Of course, you are welcome to source your own but for safety reasons the parish candle will be used on the day. Both the candle and stole will be made available to each child on the day of their baptism.
Baptism Offering
Each family is asked to give a gift of thanks in support for the baptism program. This goes towards the ongoing support of the baptism program including but not limited to administration, resources, cleaning, priest’s stipend, and the baptism candle & stole.
$165 for the baptism of 1 child
$240 for the baptism of 2 children, an additional $75 for each child there after.
Please make payment once your baptism date has been confirmed. Payments need to be made prior to the day of the baptism ceremony.
Sacred Heart-Emmaus Parish Presbytery
BSB: 083-347
Acc: 652105853
Ref: Child’s name & surname
To book a baptism for your child please submit the form below, one child per form. At least 1 parent must be a baptised Catholic, a copy of your baptism certificate is required. A confirmation email will be sent to you from the Parish office to confirm your details, please allow at least 14 days.
Dates are released as required every few months.
Letter of Permission
If you are not currently residing in the Sacred Heart-Emmaus parish but wish to have your child baptised here, please request a letter of permission from your current parish and forward it to the Sacred Heart-Emmaus parish office. Please include the details below in your request. If you wish to baptise your child in another parish please contact the parish office directly to request a letter of permission This a courtesy that all priests extend to one another.
Child’s full name
Child’s date of birth
Parents names and religion
Current home address