Sacraments

Baptism
Sacrament of Baptism is celebrated at 10:30am on the first and third Sundays of each month at St Ignatius Church, and at 11:15am on the third Sunday at St James.

A child who is baptised into the Church needs to have at least one godparent who is an adult baptised Catholic. Godparents promise to support parents to help raise the child in the practice of the faith. You will also need a candle and a white garment for the ceremony - symbols of faith and dignity.

To prepare for the Sacrament of Baptism, we have two preparation nights on the second and fourth Sundays of the month prior to your child's baptism. The first preparation night is for the parents commencing at 6:30pm. However, we request that you begin the evening by attending the 5:30pm Mass at St Ignatius. At this time we also ask you to bring in a photo of your child so that it can be displayed on the church notice board and invite parishioners to pray for your child.
The second preparation night includes the godparents. This will begin with the naming ceremony at the 5:30pm Mass at St Ignatius when your child is welcomed into the community of faith. After Mass, there will be a discussion with the parents and godparents. Both preparation nights should take about 45 minutes each.

If you are an adult wishing to be baptised into the Catholic Church, please contact the Parish Office for further information.

First Communion and Confirmation
Candidates for First Communion and Confirmation are usually prepared by our primary schools. However, if your children are not attending a Catholic school and you would like to have your children celebrate First Communion and Confirmation in our parish, we will look after them. Please contact the Parish Office for further information and the coming dates of preparation and celebration of these Sacraments.

Marriage
The availability of St Ignatius' Church and St James' Church is limited therefore a wedding needs to be booked by contacting the Parish Office at least 6 months in advance. For further details see Getting Married at St Ignatius.

Reconciliation
The Sacrament of Reconciliation is available upon request. Please contact the Parish Office to make an appointment to meet with a priest, or see him before or after Mass.

Anointing of the Sick
Anointing Mass is held on the first Friday of each month at the 12 noon Mass at St Ignatius. This is followed by a light lunch in the Parish House for those who wish to attend. Please contact the Parish Office if you would like to receive this sacrament at another time.

Funerals
Funerals are usually looked after by a Funeral Director. At your request, the Funeral Director will contact the Parish Office to check on the availability of the church, the priest, and finally to arrange for you to meet with the priest. The priest who will look after the ceremony will offer you and your family any assistance you may need regarding the funeral of your relative.

For further information regarding the Sacraments of the Church visit the Archdiocese of Melbourne Sacraments page.