Sacraments

Baptisms

The baptism of an infant is the beginning of a child’s faith life and journey with the Christian community. It is therefore an important decision for parents to make on behalf of their child. Normally baptisms take place in your parish church as it is within this community that your child will grow into the ways of faith. For a child to be baptised a Catholic is it essential that one parent is a Catholic and that both parents agree to nurture the faith life of the child as much as possible. It is also essential that Godparents are baptised Christians, one being a Catholic.

Baptism of infants is celebrated every second and fourth Saturday morning in the Cathedral at 9.30am, and every third Sunday at St Patrick’s Church, at 10.00am. It is possible to arrange baptisms at other times, providing you have a priest who is willing to celebrate the baptism. Parents are required to attend a preparation session before their child’s Baptism.

For adult baptism see RCIA below.

Contact the Cathedral Office for further information and bookings.

Marriage

The Cathedral Parish has three venues available for weddings – the Cathedral of St Stephen, the Chapel of St Stephen and St Patrick’s Church, Fortitude Valley. Requirements for booking a wedding is that one partner must be a baptised Catholic and that you have a priest willing to perform the marriage. Marriage preparation will also be required. Weddings in the Cathedral of St Stephen are held every Saturday at 1.30pm and 3pm, as well as 11.30am and 4.30pm in St Stephen’s Chapel. On the first, third and fifth Saturday of the month, there is a 10am time available for the Cathedral.

Times for St Patrick’s Church Fortitude Valley are available upon discussion with the Cathedral wedding co-ordinator. Weddings are also held in the Cathedral of St Stephen and the St Stephen’s Chapel on Sundays and weekdays, with these times being arranged with the wedding co-ordinator.

Contact the wedding coordinator at the Cathedral Office for more information and bookings.

Confirmation and First Communion

It is the policy of the Archdiocese of Brisbane to Confirm children and welcome them to the Eucharist (First Holy Communion) either during the same ceremony or at different ceremonies very close together. Parents need to decide when their children are ready for this significant step in their faith journey; usually the child is about 10 years of age.

Contact the Cathedral Office for information regarding preparation.

The Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults

Many adults find themselves wanting to explore the possibility of baptism or becoming a member of the Catholic Church. Here at the Cathedral of St Stephen we work with people either individually and in groups to allow this exploration to take place. Each year at the Easter Vigil adults are Baptised, Confirmed and welcomed to the Table of the Eucharist. This is the culmination of quite a lengthy and formative process.

Contact the Cathedral Office for more information.

Anointing of the Sick

Throughout the year, the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick is held at St Patrick’s Church, Fortitude Valley.

Contact the Cathedral Office for more information or in situations of emergency.

Funerals

While the possibilities for funerals are limited in the Cathedral parish due to a full schedule of daily liturgical events and limited parking, however in particular circumstances the Administrator may be able to accommodate your request. A copy of the Funeral Policy can be obtained through the Cathedral Office.

Contact the Cathedral Office for more information.