John 14:6 3:5
“I am the Way, I am Truth and Life… no one can enter the Kingdom of God without being born through water and the Spirit”
Matthew 28:19-20
“Go, therefore, make disciples of all nations; baptise them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teach them to observe all the commands I gave you. And look, I am with you always; yes, to the end of time”
It is through the Sacrament of Baptism, or Christening, that a person becomes a Christian, and is incorporate into the mystical Body of Christ, the Church. It is through this gift from God that unites us with each other and with Our Lord.
Anyone not yet baptised can be baptised, and for children (i.e. age less than seven), the expectation is that the parents see to it that they are baptised within the first weeks after birth. This is a practice that has happened right at the beginning of the Church, and we have early records both in the Bible and in early writings1 that this was the practice. In fact, the Bible recorded for us that whole ‘household’ (e.g. Acts 16:15 & 33) were baptised, meaning children were included, in the early Church.
Baptism of Children
We are delighted that you wish to have your child baptised at our parish of the Good Shepherd. In undertaking this, you are accepting the responsibility of training your child(ren) in the practice of the faith, as well as ensuring they are brought up to keep God’s commandments, as Christ taught us, by loving God and our neighbour.
+ Parishioners
Parents who are parishioners of Hurunui Parish who want to get their child(ren) baptised in this parish are, in the first instance, to complete the Baptismal Registration Form (found outside the Parish office and on the Parish Website). After registration, you will be contacted regarding the baptism preparation. The date of baptism is to be discussed and agreed with Fr Michael, the parish priest.
+ Not Parishioners
Parents who are not parishioners, who are seeking baptism of their child(ren) are expected to make contact with their own Parish Priest in the first instance, and to discuss with him their intentions. He may wish to put them through a Preparatory Course. Again, the date of baptism is to be discussed and agreed with Fr Michael, the parish priest.
The above applies irrespective of who is doing the baptism.
Any queries please contact Sarah at the office, catholichurunui@gmail.com, or Fr Michael nzmichaelpui@gmail.com
You are welcome to download and complete a Baptism Information Form and hand it to our parish priest. Alternatively copies of this form are available at the parish office.
Becoming a Catholic
For adults wishing to be become Catholics, the normal path is prepared and to learn something about the Catholic faith. Normally one is put through a programme, often referred to as the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) or Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA). This process is never rushed.
Normally one would start by talking to the priest or any practising Catholic, and start to attend Sunday Mass. The priest with his volunteers will put together a suitable programme.
Adult Baptism is usually performed at the Easter Vigil. Those who are (validly) baptised in another faith tradition may be received into full Communion with the Catholic Church.
Parish of the Good Shepherd 