Baptism in the Anglican Church
Baptism is a sacrament of belonging. It marks a significant moment, both in the life of the candidate, and in the church community, family and friends. It is a celebration of a new beginning in becoming a member of Christ’s body, the Church. Baptism immerses us in a new life given to us through the death and resurrection of Jesus at Easter. When we come for baptism, we are saying “yes” to God’s love and desire for us to belong to the community of God’s people. We are baptised into the membership of the Universal Christian Church, not merely as members of a particular denomination or parish.
Baptism is usually during a Sunday Eucharist. It is a sacrament that involves the whole Christian community. The presence of other Christians reminds us that in being baptised, you are being supported by becoming a member of Christ’s Church. Private baptisms are permitted, but there should be special circumstances for this; either for strong pastoral reasons and after discussion with Father Paul.
Parents and Godparents (Sponsors)
Children are baptised in response to the faith of their parents, who, together with the Godparents, make the baptismal promises on behalf of the child. Godparents should be chosen with great care. They must be baptised themselves and should be practicing Christians. They have to make certain promises to support the child in bringing them up as a member of the Church’s worshipping community.
Anyone can be baptised at any time in their life, and so we welcome adults to be baptised. Preparation for this is more intense because we are preparing the individual for the Christian life, where for baptism of children, we begin with faithful parents who will spend a number of years nurturing their children in the Christian faith, along with their godparents. For more information about baptism of an adult, please contact Fr. Paul.
To arrange or speak further about a baptism please contact
Father Paul on 0412 320 375 or by email.