Baptism

The Sacrament of Holy Baptism is Jesus’ loving act of welcoming people into the fellowship of his Church. Most candidates are little children, but every year a number of adults are baptised. Baptisms are celebrated at a Sunday Eucharist, or at a Baptism Service following the Eucharist.

Infant candidates for baptism are accompanied by godparents.

Godparents are men and women who have been baptised and profess Christian belief. They have a two fold task; to answer questions on behalf of the candidate at the Baptism Service and to support their godchildren as they grow in maturity.

At the Baptism Service, the priest asks the godparents questions that are printed in the Prayer Book;

• • Do you turn to Christ?
  • Do you repent of your sins?
  • Do you reject selfish living and all that is false and unjust?
  • Do you renounce Satan and all that is evil?

God invites us to respond to his love so that we can be free from the false gods that restrict our freedom to be fully human.

With members of the congregation, the godparents affirm Christian belief in saying the Apostles’ Creed. The Creed is a summary of our faith that has been revealed in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus, recorded in the Bible and affirmed in ancient catholic tradition.

The candidate is baptised with water poured over the head three times. The priest says; “I baptise you in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit”. The new Christian is anointed with the holy chrism, oil that has been consecrated by the Bishop, and given a candle.

The people of the Anglican Parish of Taree are delighted to be present at baptisms. Photographs are permitted, and we are happy to hear the sounds and voices of little children.

There is no fee to be paid for baptism, but many families like to make a gift to the Church as a thank offering to God for their child.

To arrange a baptism, please contact the Church at least a month before the planned event.