BAPTISM

Baptism is a simple ceremony of washing in water practiced by Christians.

Baptism is a wonderful Sacrament left to the church by Jesus, it is a sign of turning to God and of faith in Christ as Lord.

Water symbolises cleansing and renewal, forgiveness and new spiritual life.

Those who ask for baptism recognise what Jesus did for them by his dying and rising again.

To be “Christened” is to be received into the Christian Church by baptism – to be joined to Christ.

GOD’S BLESSING – OUR RESPONSE

Baptism represents what God does for us – he gives us a new spiritual birth by his Holy Spirit.

This is what we pray for in the case of an infant or adult being baptised.

Our response is a sincere faith in the Lord Jesus Christ expressed in the name of the child by sponsors (parents and godparents) until such time as the infant can make his or her own response.

GODPARENTS

Godparents are members of the church who have themselves been baptised.

A boy usually has two godfathers and a godmother and a girl usually has two godmothers and a godfather. Parents are able to be godparents.

Those who act as godparents are accepting the responsibility, with parents, of providing spiritual encouragement and the help of a good example so that the children may be brought up to follow the teachings of Jesus Christ and become faithful members of the church.

 PROMISES UNDERTAKEN IN BAPTISM

Three promises are made by all candidates for baptism, and these are also the undertakings made by godparents when the candidate is a child:

·        a turning from all that is false and unjust –  a rejection of all that is opposed to the will of God;

·       a belief in God – trust in the Father as the one who made us, in Jesus as the one  who saves us, and in the Holy Spirit who is with us;

·       a firm intention to follow God’s ways in our lives and to teach this to our children.

BAPTISM TAKES PLACE on the second Sunday of every month by the Rector, Rev Gregory Job. Enquiries ring church office 9399 9400.

The Service is taken from A Prayer Book for Australia, according to Anglican order, yet baptised as a Christian.

ATTENDANCE at church before the baptism is an essential part of the preparation.

The Family Service is held on first Sunday of every month at 11am in the Children’s Chapel of the main church. It provides a good opportunity to be a part of the community, without overstretching the limits of small children.  This also gives an opportunity to see how the Service is structured and an opportunity to support you in the spiritual nurturing of your family.

You are most welcome to attend other services of worship which are 8.00am, 9.30am and 6.30pm. Sunday School & Creche 9.30am.

Children are welcome at any of our services.

Baptism can be a most meaningful occasion for your family as we pray God’s blessing on your child/children and you affirm an intention to bring them up in the Christian way. 

FEE

There is no fee for the baptism. Traditionally a thank offering is given to contribute to the work of this Church.

Your presence and support are vital for St Jude’s to continue for future generations.