Seventeen Permanent Deacons from the Diocese of Parramatta recently came together for a day of ongoing formation, focusing on the rich theological and pastoral dimensions of the Sacrament of Baptism.
The day was facilitated by renowned liturgist Sr Carmel Pilcher RSJ, a Sister of St Joseph with decades of experience in liturgical education and pastoral formation across Australia and the Pacific.
Sr Carmel is widely respected for her contribution to post-Vatican II liturgical renewal in Australia, and her deep love for the Church, practical wisdom, and her commitment to making liturgy accessible and meaningful were evident throughout the session.
Liturgy in Context: A Living Encounter
Sr Carmel’s main message to the deacons was clear: Liturgy is never celebrated in a vacuum. Every sacramental celebration must be shaped by the context and culture of the community present.
She reminded the group that Liturgy is “a dialogue between the Church’s tradition and the people’s lived experience.”
For the deacons—many of whom bring with them rich cultural traditions, particularly from various African communities—this was a powerful affirmation. The day became an invitation to reflect not only on how Baptism is celebrated, but how it can be animated in a way that speaks to the cultural identities and spiritual expressions of the faithful.
In the African context, where music, naming rituals, family storytelling, and symbolic action are deeply embedded in communal life, the sacrament of Baptism offers a profound opportunity for inculturation. Sr Carmel encouraged the deacons to draw upon these cultural riches—not to replace the rite, but to enhance it with authenticity and resonance.
The Journey of Baptism
The session focused exclusively on the Sacrament of Baptism, reminding participants that the RCIA is the normative model for all Christian initiation, including infants.
Baptism, she said, is not simply a ceremony, but a sacramental journey with key movements:
- Welcome, naming, and signing at the church entrance
- Proclamation of the Word in the gathered assembly
- The Baptism itself at the font, through immersion or pouring
- A procession to the Eucharistic table, signifying the path toward full initiation in the Body of Christ
This movement should not be rushed or reduced to formality. Each moment has catechetical and symbolic power, especially when celebrated with care, reverence, and cultural attentiveness.
Core Elements of the Rite
Sr Carmel highlighted the essential sacramental signs of Baptism:
- The Word: not just proclaimed but encountered, preparing hearts to receive the mystery
- The Water: poured or used in immersion, always a sign of rebirth and transformation
- The Oil: the Sacred Chrism lavishly smeared, anointing the baptised as priest, prophet, and king
These actions, she said, should never be reduced to routine. Instead, they are to be made visibly meaningful through gestures, explanation, and communal involvement.
Adaptation and Participation
Drawing on paragraph 39 of the Rite of Baptism, Sr Carmel invited the deacons to consider pastoral adaptations that respond to the needs and traditions of their communities. In many African cultures, naming rituals carry deep spiritual and familial significance. Incorporating these respectfully into the baptismal liturgy, while preserving the integrity of the rite, can offer powerful moments of evangelisation and joy.
Other possible adaptations include:
- Singing and drumming as expressions of celebration
- Inclusion of cultural garments or symbols during the welcome or anointing
- Greater engagement of extended family and godparents in the ritual actions
- Bilingual or multilingual elements where appropriate
The goal, she stressed, is not to “add extras,” but to help the sacramental meaning shine forth more clearly in the lived experience of the faithful.
The Baptism Itself Forms the Newly Initiated
Sr Carmel concluded with a key insight: “The foundation for the formation of the newly initiated is the celebration itself.” In other words, how we celebrate Baptism teaches the faith.
If the rite is done with care, dignity, and attentiveness to culture, it becomes a powerful catechesis—not only for the family involved but for the entire worshipping community.
The deacons were encouraged to continue reflecting on their own pastoral practice:
- Are their Baptisms truly communal celebrations?
- Do the families feel welcomed and understood?
- Are cultural elements used meaningfully?
- Does the rite proclaim clearly the grace it confers?
Renewed Commitment
As the day concluded, the deacons expressed gratitude for the opportunity to grow in their understanding of Baptism as both a theological treasure and a pastoral art. The session served as a timely and necessary invitation: to celebrate the sacraments in a way that honours both the universality of the Church and the uniqueness of every people and culture. In return, Sr Carmel commented on the rich sharing and teaching that each of the Deacons shared with the group.
“It was indeed a great synodal conversation and I learned so much from such passionate practitioners,” one said.
Deacon Roderick Pirotta is the Pastoral Director at Sacred Heart Parish, Mt Druitt South, and Episcopal Vicar for Deacons in the Diocese.
If you would like to learn more about the Diaconate, visit Permanent Diaconate. If you’re currently discerning your vocation, visit Discern My Vocation or contact the Office of Vocations Director.
The event aligned with the Diocesan Pastoral Plan’s emphasis on Formation and Mission, key priorities under the Plan.
