Baptism

Baptism is the sacrament through which we become members of the Body of Christ - the Church. Often people will talk about being baptised 'Catholic' or 'Anglican' or the like. In fact, all those baptised in water in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit receive valid baptism into the Church regardless of the denomination affiliation of the family or Minister.

If you would like your child to be baptised at St John's Anglican Church, please fill in this form: Baptism-Arrangement-Form-RT  and send it to stjohns.rt@bigpond.com. We will then arrange to meet with you and explain to you the steps needed for Baptism preparation. If at all possible, it is best to come to ​church and discuss your situation with the Priest face to face after a service.

Baptisms can be held during the 9am Mass or at a separate service.

The Church does not 'sell' sacraments, so no specific fee is charged by the priest to perform the baptism. However, it is customary to make an offering to the priest and/or the church as a sign of gratitude.  The value of this offering should be in keeping with the family's financial situation but should not, as a guide, be significantly less than what is spent on the social aspects of the event, such as the christening party, gifts to the godparents etc.

Baptism Preparation

Before it takes place, the priest meets with the Parents and Godparents to talk with them about Baptism – its meaning and the responsibilities involved in bringing a child for Baptism. They go through the service with the Parents and Godparents, explaining what will be happening and answering any questions. As Godparents declare the faith of the Church to be their own (in the form of the Apostles Creed), they must be baptised Christians of a recognised Trinitarian denomination (i.e. Anglican, Roman Catholic, Methodist etc.). If they are not baptised but would be open to receiving the sacrament of baptism then this can be arranged with Fr Steve.

Adult Baptism

Contact us if you are an adult interested in being prepared for Baptism, or renewing or reactivating your baptismal commitment.