​​"Baptism is the gift of our Lord Jesus Christ" The Anglican Prayer Book​​​

Many children get baptised in an Anglican Church as a way of joining God’s family. By bringing a child to baptism, parents are often giving a sign that they encourage the development of their child’s body and soul in partnership with God.​​ 

 

Through baptism, and by joining a church family, children are welcomed into the community of faith, being  encouraged to belong, learn and share in a life centred around Jesus Christ. In baptism, we lean into the promises of God, trusting in his grace to bring about what we promise and ask.  Additionally, many parents and extended families also enjoy the opportunity for celebration of new life.

 

​​Adults who have come to faith are also baptised, either by sprinkling or full emersion. St Thomas, Cardiff has a special baptismal pool just for this purpose. It signifies the same things as child baptism, although the person being baptised makes the promises and declares their faith in Jesus Christ for themselves.​ ​​

 

Holy Baptism is a sacrament, or an outward sign of an inner reality.  The outward sign is water in which the person is dipped (or the water is poured on the person’s head) in the name of God – Father, Son and Holy Spirit.  It signifies cleansing from sin (that which prevents us being fully human), death to the old life and rebirth to the new life Christ gives us by his Holy Spirit.  We share in the death and resurrection of Jesus and so are made one with him and become members of his body, the church.​ 

 

In the case of babies being baptised, the parents have the primary responsibility in raising their child in the faith and practice of the church.  They promise to bring the child up in the Christian faith and to participate in the life of the Christian community. 

 

​Godparents act as sponsors who assist the parents in their role of Christian care and nurture.  Specifically, their responsibility means that they: Pray regularly for the child;  set him/her an example of Christian living; help him/her to grow in the faith of God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, in which he or she was baptised; give every encouragement to the child to follow Christ; and help the child look toward confirmation, when he or she will own the promises of baptism for him/herself. It's an important job! ​

 

Baptisms usually take place at our weekly Sunday services which are:

8.00am  All Saints Boolaroo

9.30am  St. Thomas' Cardiff    ​

 

There are no fees for baptisms, though if you prefer to you can give a voluntary donation to the work of the church.  Baptism is a step in the wonderful adventure of life and faith, and we will do all we can to assist you as you share in your child’s spiritual growth.​

 

For further enquiries, please contact us on 02 4956 7344​