Baptism is the gift of our Lord Jesus Christ.
When he had risen from the dead, Jesus commanded his followers to go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
Baptism is the symbolic washing of a person with water. It is an outward sign of God’s inward gift to a person of forgiveness for the wrong in their life, and a new, eternal life that God gives freely to all who put their trust in Jesus.
At their baptism, the person being baptised promises to follow Jesus Christ, to turn away from their sin, to reject selfish and unjust living, and to reject all that is evil. This marks the beginning of a new relationship with God and the person who has been baptised.
Children are baptised in response to God’s all-embracing love. Parents and godparents who have responded to that love bring these children for baptism and make the promises on behalf of the child. The parents and godparents must express their own trust and commitment to God, and their intention to bring up their child in the Christian faith. In due time, when the child is old enough to answer for themselves, he/she should make his/her own response to God, and be prepared for confirmation.
When you are ready to arrange your baptism, or the baptism of your child, please come to one of our services and then contact us to make a time to meet with one of the Cathedral Clergy. Some basic information around the baptism of a child is included below for your interest, and you are welcome to ask more questions as you make plans.
Please note that at the Cathedral Baptisms are held according to the rites of the Anglican Church. Baptisms at St Paul’s Cathedral are free of charge, however you are welcome to make a donation to the Cathedral.
Preparing for the Baptism
- Come and worship with us at the Cathedral.
- Undertake a baptismal meeting with the Priest.
- It is usual for them to attend a number of baptismal preparation classes with the Priest.
- Choose Christian godparents to support your child.
Choosing Godparents
- Godparents are to be baptised members of a Christian Church.
- Godparents are ideally actively worshiping members of a Church.
- It is usual for parents to choose between two and four godparents.
- Godparents can be relatives.
Godparents’ Responsibilities
- To regularly pray for the child.
- With the parents, to ensure that the child is brought up in the Christian faith as a member of the Anglican Church.
- To ensure that the child is shown how to pray and be encouraged to pray regularly.
- To ensure that when the child is older they are prepared for confirmation in the church.
Baptism of Parents
- At least one parent is required to be baptised. This is because the baptism of a child has no meaning if neither parent is a Christian. Where only one or neither of the parents of a child have been baptised, please notify the Priest. If a parent or parent(s) wish to be baptised themselves and wish for their child to be baptised, it is usual for parents to be baptised at the same time as their child.
The Baptism Day
- This is a big event in your child’s life and the more people to share in their big day the better. You are welcome to invite friends and family.
- Please ensure that the parents, child and godparents are at the Church at least 15 minutes before the service so that you have time to settle in and meet the Priest again.
Baptism Services
Baptisms are normally held as part of our 10am Sunday Morning Service.
Find out about the Christian Faith
Wanting to know more about the Christian Faith?
St Paul’s Cathedral regularly runs courses for older children and adult enquirers to learn more about the Christian Faith, leading to baptism and confirmation. We also prepare individual parents and godparents of infants for the baptism of their children.
If you are interested in attending these sessions please contact the Cathedral Office via events@stpaulscathedral.org.au