Baptism is the first step for people on their Christian journey

In the sacrament of Baptism, by water in the name of the Holy Trinity, God establishes an indissoluble bond with each person. God adopts us, making us members of the church and inheritors of the Kingdom of God. In baptism we are made sharers in the new life of the Holy Spirit and the forgiveness of sins. Baptism is the foundation for all future church participation and ministry.

Sponsors (godparents) speak on behalf of candidates for baptism who are infants or younger children and cannot speak for themselves. During the baptismal rite the members of the congregation promise to do all they can to support the candidates for baptism in their life in Christ. Accordingly, Baptisms are normally held during the 10.30am Sunday Choral Eucharist, though alternative arrangements are able to be made.

In the first instance parents seeking baptism for a child should contact the Cathedral Office.

An initial interview with one of the clergy will be offered, followed by a number of sessions of preparation to help parents think about and understand the commitment they are making on behalf of their child. Parents are expected to be active worshipping members of the Cathedral congregation. (In some cases there are good pastoral reasons why the Cathedral, as opposed to a local parish church, is the preferred setting.)

What next?

FAQs

  • Many people have a strong connection to St Peter’s Cathedral – through family, school, wedding or some other way. A letter of introduction from your local parish priest is expected before a baptism in the Cathedral. Those who are not part of a local church are encouraged either to make contact with their local church, or to become regular worshippers at the Cathedral before any baptism takes place.

  • Along with parents, the God-parents are asked to make their personal response to the love of Christ when they present a child for baptism. God-parents are not legal guardians, but people chosen by parents who they know will pray for the child and support him/her in those all-important formative years – through their own example of regular prayer and worship in the Church.

  • Many parents wish to acknowledge the gift and privilege of a child without making the commitment which baptism involves. The Anglican Church offers a service of Thanksgiving for a Child. Please ask about this as it may well be an initial step towards baptism. This can be done in the Cathedral, at home or even in the maternity ward.

  • There is no such thing as ‘private’ baptism. Baptism is nearly always a community and congregational event held during a Sunday service. In cases where an infant’s life is threatened (e.g. due to medical emergency) a priest (or lay person) may baptise in a hospital or home, and the child is presented to and welcomed by the congregation as soon as possible.

  • The Anglican Church has always baptised adults (and young people able to make their own promises to God and the church). Adults wishing to know more about how to be baptised are encouraged to talk to one of the Cathedral clergy. Adults will often be baptised at Easter, and should have a sponsor – usually a member of the Cathedral congregation who has traveled with the candidate during a time of preparation.