Baptism...........The journey of Sacramental Initiation begins for all of us when we are welcomed into the Church community through the Sacrament of Baptism. Usually, this happens when we are babies or when we are quite young, For those over the age of 10 who are unbaptised or baptised in another Christian denomination who wish to become a Catholic, they are included in a different sacramental program which we call RCIA for Children; this process prepares them to be fully initiated or received into full communion with the Catholic Church during the Season of Easter.

Infant Baptism
                                                                                         "God is the giver of all life,
                                                                                              Human and Divine.
                                                                            May he bless the parents of this child.
                                                                                    They will be the first teachers
                                                                                 of their child in the ways of faith.
                                                                                    May they be the best teachers,
                                                                                     bearing witness to the faith
                                                                                       by what they say and do."

Congratulations on the birth of your child and welcome to our page on the Sacrament of Infant Baptism. God's love is made real for all children through this sacrament which is a sign of God's generosity and love.

Parents:
The baptism of children is possible because of the faith of the adult community. Children do not profess faith themselves. "They are baptized in the faith of the church. This faith is proclaimed for them by their parents and godparents, who represent both the local church and the whole society of believers. (Rite of Baptism: #2)

The faith of the children is dependent and incomplete, needing time and support to come to maturity. It is a faith, a journey of initiation, especially dependent on the parents' faith and sincerity.

A pastoral approach to baptism and baptismal preparation underscores our baptism program. Following a parent's initial enquiry for an infant baptism, a member of our baptismal team will get in touch with the family, arranging a convenient time to visit them in their home. During the visit parents ask questions, raise any concerns, they may have and the team member speaks of the importance and the commitment that is at the heart of this sacrament.

The Baptismal Rite and the significance of the symbols used in the rite are briefly explained. The celebration of baptism is built on the understanding that a nurturing community exists and children gradually feel a sense of belonging as they are welcomed into a new family - the family of God - the Church.

Welcoming/Anointing Rite.........Baptism Rite

The spirit of welcoming is central to our baptism program. It begins from the time the parents are visited in their home, continues in the preparations that take place right up to the special day. As the parish community is central to the sacrament of Baptism, you, your child and family celebrate the 8am Mass on the 1st weekend of each month or the 9.30am Mass on the 3rd week-end of each month; during these masses parishioners have the opportunity to welcome your child and witness the Naming, Signing & Anointing Rites that takes place at this time. This is then followed by the Rite of Baptism taking place at 11 am at St Rose Church on the 2nd Sunday of each month & at St Joseph's Church on the 4th Sunday of each month, where all  family & friends gather together to celebrate the child receiving the sacrament of Baptism  
For more information on Baptisms at our Churches, ring the parish office  9982 1058 or email parishoffice@josephsrose.org.au

                                                          

Parish/Family Based Sacramental Programme

Each year parents are invited to enrol their Year 2 children and older, who have been baptised Catholic, to participate in our Family Based Sacramental Program. This program prepares children to receive the Sacraments of Confirmation, Reconciliation and Eucharist. A central part of the program is the involvement of parents in preparing their children to receive the Sacraments of Initiation.

With the various changes that have taken place in sacramental preparation, our Sacramental Team strives to commit themselves to guide and support parents as they share the activities and rituals with their children in their homes. A Parents' Preparation Evening is presented at the beginning of each program, then over the following 4 weeks, sessions and rituals combine to nurture and deepen the children's relationship with God.

A Parent's Enquiry Evening is offered each year for those parents who are considering enrolling their child in this program it is essential to attend this meeting, as it gives an overview of the program, including details of the participation and commitment required by families in preparing their child to receive the Sacraments mentioned above.
Parent's Enquiry Evening for 2010 will be on Monday May 17, 7pm at St Rose Church, Rose Avenue Collaroy Plateau. 

The Sessions focus on :

*      God in my life
*      Listening to God through the Scriptures and .....
*      How God lives through the Church               

Our program focuses on parents sharing their faith with their child so it is essential that a parent or guardian attend the Parent's Information Evening. that begins each program. This also ensures that details, questions and concerns can be addressed properly. Parents often find this a rare and valuable opportunity to spend some special 'one to one' time with their child.

Confirmation..........The next step in the process of initiation is the reception of the Sacrament of Confirmation which is the second of the Sacraments of Initiation. It is offered to all children in year 2 & on.
We follow the Diocesan Sacramental Program and preparation for Confirmation is done in small groups with between 6-8 children and their parents who gather together once a week for 4 weeks. The program focuses on the parent sharing their faith with their child. Parents find this a very special opportunity to spend time with their child as they continue to deepen their relationship with God.
The bishop of our Diocese, David Walker, visits our parish every year to confer the Sacrament of  Confirmation.
During the Confirmation ceremony Bishop David seals the children's membership in the Church and confirms their baptismal promises.

Children participating in our 2010/2011 program will receive The Sacrament of Confirmation in August 2010.  

                                      The themes developed in the Confirmation Program are: