Sacraments

To baptise means to “immerse” in water. The one who is baptised is immersed in the death of Jesus Christ and rises with him as a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17). This sacrament is often called “the door of the Church” because it is the first of the seven sacraments, not only in time but also in priority. The reception of all other sacraments depends on it.

Once baptised, we believe that we are washed clean of original sin. We are brought into the divine life of the Holy Trinity through Sanctifying Grace and we are incorporated into Jesus’ Church. Through baptism, we share in the priesthood of Christ and are brought into communion with all other Christians. Once baptised, we are marked with the indelible seal of Christ and belong to him forever.

If you are seeking the sacrament of Baptism for yourself or your child, please call the parish office on 8361 9822.

BAPTISM & PREPARATION EVENING DATES 2024

At St. Catherine of Siena Parish, parents MUST attend the Baptism Preparation Meeting prior to baptism. If possible, please get someone to look after the children for the Baptism preparation.

Baptisms are held the first and last Saturday of each month. However, this pattern usually changes at Christmas and New Year, at Easter, and at some other times of the year. PLEASE CHECK THE DATES CAREFULLY!

GODPARENTS

GODPARENTS need to be baptised and practising Catholics at least 16 years of age who have also received the Sacrament of Confirmation. They may NOT be the parents of the child. One godparent is sufficient. Godparents speak and act on behalf of the Catholic community.

INFORMATION REGARDING GODPARENTS

The role of a Godparent is very important as they are to assist the parents in presenting the child for baptism, and will help the baptised in leading a Christian life, faithfully fulfilling the obligations connected with it (Code of Canon Law No. 872).

Therefore, great consideration should be given as to who may be able to take on this great honour but huge responsibility. Below are some guidelines.

– A parent may not be a Godparent. You want to get other people on board to help nurture the spiritual life of the one to be baptised.
-A person only requires one Godparent for baptism, but may have two – one male and one female.
– A Godparent must be over 16 years old.
– Godparents must be Catholic and have received the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Communion.

Even though parents are pivotal in the spiritual development of their child, a Godparent serves to encourage and foster their Godchild’s spiritual growth over time. They should stand as an example of another adult mature in their faith and proactive in maintaining and developing their relationship with Jesus. A Godparent should pray regularly for their Godchild, and as they grow, pray with their Godchild, helping guide them to the person of Jesus. If you are struggling to find someone in your life that you feel can fulfil this role, please speak to one of your priests or someone on the Baptism Team. They may be able to assist you in finding someone within your parish community who can take on this role.

The Sacrament of Holy Eucharist, also known as Holy Communion, is the third of the Sacraments of Initiation. The Eucharist is the source and summit of all Chrisian life. Through this celebration, we are united with the liturgy of heaven and are given a foretaste of eternal life. When we participate in the Eucharist, our lives, our praise, our suffering, our work, are united to those of Christ. It is called a Sacrament of Initiation because, like Baptism and Confirmation, it brings us into the fullness of our life in Christ.

If you are seeking the sacrament of Holy Eucharist for you or your child, please call the parish office on 8361 9822. 

In the Old Testament, the prophets proclaimed that the Spirit of the Lord would rest upon the Messiah and the entire messianic people. Jesus’ entire life and mission was carried out in communion with the Holy Spirit. The apostles received the Holy Spirit which they then passed on to the newly baptised. It is this exact same Spirit which is imparted upon us in the sacrament of Confirmation. Like in Pentecost, there is an outpouring of the Holy Spirit which binds the recipient more fully in Christ and the Church.

If you are seeking the sacrament of Confirmation for you or your child, please call the parish office on 8361 9822.

Jesus, our healer, instituted this sacrament as we are constantly weakened by sin despite the new life we receive in the sacraments of initiation. This sacrament was instituted on the evening of Easter when Jesus revealed himself to his apostles, saying: “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.” (John 20:22-23). Through this sacrament, we are reconciled with God and with the Church through the forgiveness of sins, we are given serenity of conscience knowing that we are loved and forgiven by a merciful God and are strengthened in living a Christian life.

If you are seeking the sacrament of Penance for you or your child, please call the parish office on 8361 9822.

Jesus showed great compassion towards the sick and suffering and the many healings recounted in sacred scripture indicate that, with him, came the Kingdom of God and therefore, victory over sin, suffering and even death. Today, the Church carries on Jesus’ charge to care for the sick through this sacrament. Any member of the faithful can receive this sacrament if they are in danger of death due to illness or old age. Through this sacrament, a special grace unites the suffering person more intimately to the Passion of Jesus Christ. It gives comfort, courage, peace and even the forgiveness of sins should they be unable to make a confession. In some instances, this sacrament even brings the restoration of physical health.

If you are seeking the sacrament of Anointing of the Sick for you or a loved one, please call the parish office on 8361 9822.

“God, who is love, and who created man and woman for love has called them to love.” = CCCC 337.

By creating us male and female, God calls some of us to an intimate communion of life and love through marriage. This union establishes a perpetual and exclusive bond between the couple, sealed by God himself.

If you are seeking the sacrament of Marriage, please call the parish office on 8361 9822.

Through the sacrament of Holy Orders, the mission entrusted by Jesus Christ to his apostles can continue to be exercised in the Church to this very day. In this sacrament, the priest being ordained vows to lead other Catholics by bringing them the sacraments, proclaiming the Gospel and supporting all in their pursuit of holiness. 

If you feel that you may have a call to the priesthood, please call the parish office on 8361 9822.