Baptism

Baptism (also known as Christening …making the child one with Christ) is a ceremony through which a child or adult is received into membership of the Church of God. It unites a person with Christ and his People. It is true that Christians are baptized one by one, but to be a Christian is to be part of a new creation which rises from the dark waters of Christ’s death into the dawn of his risen life.

If you as an adult wish to be baptized please speak to our parish priest who will be delighted to discuss the preparation needed and the help which is available for someone taking such a momentous step.

Should you be seeking baptism for your child, there are some things you will want to know.
At St Peter’s most baptisms take place late on Sunday morning, though at times during the 9am Sung Eucharist. You will need to discuss a date and time with our parish priest himself. You may like to phone him on 9953-1050
or email him on rector[at]stpeterscremorne.org.au

If you would like to receive a general letter from him about Baptism at St Peter’s, please put that request - and the letter plus an application form for the administration of the sacrament will be forwarded to you.

We encourage parents of child candidates to meet once with a Baptismal Companion, a trained woman from our congregation, before the day of the actual ceremony. It is their purpose to make the baptism as happy and meaningful an occasion as possible.

By tradition a boy has two godfathers and one godmother, and a girl has two godmothers and one godfather. It is essential that all godparents be already baptized themselves. Should you have difficulty in finding appropriate people, please let the priest know.

There are no fees for a baptism at St Peter’s. However a donation to St Peter’s church by way of a thank-offering is always appreciated.

You may to care to read what follows. It is drawn from Common Worship of the Church of England (2000).

Baptism marks the beginning of a journey with God which continues for the rest of our lives, the first step in response to God’s love. For all involved, particularly the candidates but also parents, godparents and sponsors, it is a joyful moment when we rejoice in what God has done for us in Christ, making serious promises and declaring the faith. The wider community of the local church and friends welcome the new Christian, promising support and prayer for the future. Hearing and doing these things provides an opportunity to remember our own baptism and reflect on the progress made on that journey, which is now shared with this new member of the Church.