St Paul’s Catholic Church

Mount Lawley

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Celebrating the Sacraments of Initiation at St Paul’s

Christian initiation is accomplished by three sacraments together: Baptism which is the beginning of new life; Confirmation which is its strengthening; and the Eucharist which nourishes the disciple with Christ’s Body and Blood for his transformation in Christ. (Catechism of the Catholic Church, no. 1275)

BAPTISM

Adults and older children who seek Baptism will have instruction in the basics of the Catholic faith, either through private meetings with the priest or a lay catechist, or by enrolling in the RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) for group sessions.

Parents who seek Baptism for their infant children will meet with the priest for instruction; this may be done even before the birth of the child. Baptism of infants should not be delayed, but should be celebrated within the first few weeks of the child’s life. It is most important that the soul be filled with God’s grace from the child’s earliest days. (see Canon Law no. 867)

Regarding sponsors (godparents) for Baptism:

  • only one is required, either male or female
  • if there are two sponsors, they must be a male and a female
  • they must be 16 years of age or older
  • ideally, both sponsors should be practising Catholics who live a life of faith consistent with the responsibility of a godparent, however, a practising member of another Christian denomination may be admitted as a Christian witness
  • it is absolutely not permitted for non-believers to be sponsors.

(for more information on sponsors, see Canon Law no. 872-874)
PROFESSION OF CATHOLIC FAITH

A baptised Christian who wishes to join the Catholic Church will meet with the priest for instruction, as necessary, before celebrating the Sacrament of Penance (Reconciliation or Confession), making a Profession of Catholic Faith and then being confirmed and receiving the Holy Eucharist for the first time as a Catholic.
CONFIRMATION

Parish children are confirmed in Year 6, and receive their instruction either in a Catholic school or by attending the classes for state school children that are held on Wednesdays during school terms from 4 to 5 pm at St Paul’s Primary School, Mt Lawley. For information, please contact the parish office.

 
Baptised adults who wish to be confirmed should contact the parish priest.
There need be only one sponsor for Confirmation, who may be either male or female, and 16 years of age or older. This sponsor must be a practising Catholic, and may not be the parent of the person being confirmed.
EUCHARIST

Parish children receive their First Holy Communion in Year 4, and receive their instruction either in a Catholic school or by attending the classes for state school children that are held on Wednesdays during school terms, from 4 to 5 pm at St Paul’s Primary School, Mt Lawley. For information, please contact the parish office.