Infant Baptism and Baptism for Children up to 6 Years

If you live on the Sunshine Coast, in the Stella Maris Parish area please phone the parish office on (07 5443 3488)

There is an Enrolment Ritual and Information Night. It is held at the Stella Maris parish centre and is usually on Monday evenings, every two or three weeks.

You are encouraged to come as family. Bring older brothers and sisters.
The Parish Office will write to you and explain these details.

If you do not live in the Stella Maris Parish you have to obtain permission from the Parish Priest where you live. It is readily given although you may be required to attend a pre-baptism course there.

Primary School Age Child's Baptism

This is the Baptism of a child who has reached 'catechetical age'.
It applies from about the age of 6 years and 6 months, or 9 months.

It is the intention of the Church to show more pastoral care, and to prepare the child for the sacrament in an intensive one month programme.

It means that the family attends one of the parish week end Masses with your child on three consecutive occasions.
Children usually respond warmly to the care and attention offered by parents and parish.
These are the THREE RITES that take place during the Mass, usually after the Homily, and before the Prayer of the Faithful.

WEEK 1. Receive the Sign of the Cross.
WEEK 2. Sign the Book of Enrolments.
WEEK 3. Receive the Lord's Prayer.

At each ritual the child is presented with study and prayer material to share with the family.

After completion of this pre-Baptismal preparation period the primary school age child is ready to be baptized.

Please phone the parish office for more information.
In the first instance the child and parents attend the same Monday evening meeting as do the infants and younger children.

Baptism For Adults and Older Young People

This is called the RCIA (Rite of Initiation of the Adult Catechumen)
People who participate experience satisfaction and enjoyment in this process.
It involves joining a group of other adults who have questions and inquiries to ask about the Catholic Church.

The time for INQUIRY is typically around the months of August and September.
The Stella Maris parish has a specially trained team of catechists who make the spiritual journey with those who are inquiring.

The culmination of this time of preparation is on Holy Saturday night at a Vigil ceremony (Easter).

It is called the Rite of Christian Initiation

Those who take part are not only baptized, but also receive the Sacraments of Confirmation and First Eucharist.

In the first instance, you may phone the Parish Office (07) 5443 3488 or email them here. You can make an appointment to speak with Sr Maree Byron. Sister Maree has charge of the RCIA programme.