Baptism, Marriages and Funerals

 

BAPTISM, MARRIAGE AND FUNERALS

At Saint Christopher’s we celebrate the journey of life in Christ as the children of God.

Baptism

Baptism is of the Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus commanded his followers to go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. In Baptism, we are joined to Christ, and made members of his body, the Church universal. Parents and godparents who have responded to God’s love stand before the congregation and express their own trust and commitment to the promise of God and bring their children for baptism, promising their intention to bring up their children in the faith and practice of the Church. In due time, these children should make their own response to God and prepare for confirmation. In Baptism, we are all called into a royal priesthood to serve God in the world.

 

Marriage      

Requirements to be married at Saint Christopher’s

There are some requirements for being married at St Christopher’s. These are set by the Parish Priest in accordance with the guidelines of the Anglican Church of Australia and the Commonwealth of Australia:

  • The bride and/or the groom is a baptised Christian and preferably a member of the Anglican Church. Both are encouraged to become regular worshippers.
  • The Archbishop’s permission is required if the bride or groom has previously been divorced. This permission is preferably sought by the priest in the parish where the bride or groom resides or worships, or otherwise by the parish clergy.
  • There are restrictions on the availability of the Church for weddings on Sundays and special days in the Church calendar. In particular, no marriage may be celebrated throughout Holy Week from Palm Sunday to Easter Day inclusive, but weddings are permitted on Saturdays and weekdays during Lent.
  • Weddings may only be conducted by licensed Anglican clergy. Ministers of other denominations may assist at the wedding at the discretion of the officiating priest.
  • The Anglican Order of Service must be used, although there are variations within the service that allow couples to make it personal to their wedding. The priest officiating at your wedding will be happy to advise you on your options.
  • While it is advisable to book the Church as soon as you begin making plans, the legal notice of intended marriage must be given to the celebrant of your wedding more than one month and not more than eighteen months before the ceremony.
  • The attire of the wedding party must be consistent with the solemnity and dignity of the occasion.

In addition to these requirements, all couples are encouraged to participate in marriage preparation with a member of the Parish staff, or through other relationship counselling organisations. This may involve completing an inventory/questionnaire, attending group information sessions, or receiving individual counselling. The clergy can help you choose the most appropriate form of marriage preparation for your needs. The clergy may use the Prepare-Enrich materials for marriage preparation. More details are available from the Prepare-Enrich (Australia) website: www.prepare-enrich.com.au

 

The Blessing of a Civil Marriage

This service is provided for a couple whose wedding was a civil service and who wish to have their marriage blessed in the name of God the holy Trinity. We come together to celebrate in the presence of God their union and ask God’s blessing on them as we share their joy. Marriage is a symbol of God’s unending love for his people, and of the union between Christ and his Church. Christ loved his bride the Church, and gave himself for her.

Thanksgiving for Marriage

The Liturgy Commission of General Synod offers the following forms for use • during a regular congregational service, and/or as part of a service of renewal of marriage promises by a couple / couples.

For information about

LGBTIQ & Christian:

http://www.episcopalchurch.org/page/lgbt-church

https://www.euroforumlgbtchristians.eu/

 

 

Funerals

The loss of a loved one is always a difficult time as we grieve and give thanks for that person’s life.

If you are reading this page because of a recent death of a loved one, family member or friend, please accept our condolences. We hope to be able to help care for and assist you at this time.

As in baptism, we are made one in Christ, so too in death, we are joined with Christ in eternal life.

John 10: 28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish…

Several types of funeral services are available at Saint Christopher’s including memorial services for our loved ones. These services can be conducted by the parish priest at the church or another location. Services follow the Anglican Liturgy and are individualised in accordance with the deceased and/or family’s wishes.

  • The Church is available for anyone wanting to have a Christian funeral service and the parish priest will conduct a Christian funeral service at other locations by arrangement.
  • Saint Christopher’s does not have a burial ground. However, there is a memorial garden available in which ashes can be placed and flora planted.
  • Gathering after the service at Saint Christopher’s with catering, can also be arranged through the parish at a set cost.
  • You can prearrange your funeral. The parish priest is more than happy to meet with you to make arrangements for your funeral service. This is often of immense benefit to your family in a time of grief.
  • For further information or to make an arrangement or receive pastoral care at this time of grief, please contact Rev’d Susan Thorpe-Gudgeon, alternatively please call June Ormerod 0405 761 347