Baptisms at Anglican Parish of Glenelg
Baptism is the primary sacrament in the Christian Church. A sacrament is an outward sign (like a symbol or ritual) which represents a spiritual gift from God. Baptism represents the inclusive love of God and celebrates someone becoming a Christian and being welcomed into the body of Christ (the church).
Baptism is a once-in-a-lifetime act and can occur as an infant, child, adolescent or adult. By baptising children and babies we make it clear, as Jesus taught, that all are welcome in God’s kingdom. Children are valued as equal members of the Body of Christ. Baptism in the Anglican Church is recognised by all other mainline churches (and vice versa). Being baptised as a adolescent or adult is public way to profess your faith and make a commitment to Christ.
Baptism Promises
The promises made at baptism, either by the candidate themselves (if they are older) or by Godparents on their behalf (if they are a infant) have followed a similar form since the earliest days of the church in the Second Century.
They ask:
- Do you turn to Christ?
- Do you repent of your sins?
- Do you renounce evil?
A final promise is based on the commandment of Jesus to love God and our neighbour as ourselves. You can find out more in the info sheets below. The Godparents info sheet below gives more information but please note the requirement that Godparents must have themselves been baptised.
When can baptism occur?
If you are looking for baptism for your infant, this can take place in a couple ways.
- During our 10:00am Sunday worship.
This is a great option particularly for families with a strong connection with the parish. It enables other parishioners to be part of the celebration and show their support. With this option the service will also include the Sunday bible readings, sermon, music and communion and conclude by 11:15am. - A ‘private’ baptism at 12noon on a Sunday.
This simple service focusses solely on the baptism and takes about 30 minutes. Families are invited to choose bible readings from a selection the priest will provide, and consider family members who might like to read them in the service.
What is the cost?
Whilst there is no specific charge for baptism, but as the cost of maintaining our church and an active Christian ministry here is met only by donations, we encourage baptism families to make a donation. We suggest something in the region of $150-250. A donation can be made to the priest on the day or by EFT to Anglican Parish of Glenelg; BSB 705-077 ; Account number 00000033.
Yes, I’d like to organise a Baptism!
What’s next?
Contact the parish office or speak to one of our priests and we can provide you with some baptism information and arrange a time to meet with you to go through the service and plan it out.
Bear in mind that, in the case of organising a baptism for your infant – you will need 2-3 Godparents. The Godparents must’ve been Baptised in any Christian Church. Please prayerfully consider who you choose to be a Godparent and their ability to support your child spiritually as they grow.
Consider if you’d like the Baptism service to occur during the 10am service or in a private service at 12pm. Remembering – Baptism is the rite of welcoming a child/adult into the Christian faith and the faith community, such as a local church community.
If you are organising a teenage or adult Baptism, then in all likelihood you are worshipping regularly with us. Have a chat to one of the priests about getting baptised and we can arrange some resources to help you prepare. Once an older person is baptised they can participate in communion and would normally then be Confirmed at the next visit by the Bishop to the parish.
If you would like to pursue this further please contact the parish office or speak to one of the clergy on Sunday.