Welcome, and congratulations if you have recently had a baby, or if you are a teenager or adult who has recently become a Christian and want to be baptised!

We at St. Michael’s are keen as a community to be both welcoming and helpful in assisting you as you think about taking this important step, either for yourself or your child.

Baptisms are usually held during the 10.00am Choral Eucharist on Sundays. The clergy encourage Baptism families to attend an interview before the ceremony and  encourage attendance at St Michael's after the ceremony.

What is Baptism?
Baptism is a gift from the one whom we serve – Jesus Christ.  When he had risen from the dead, he 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.  Baptism with water signifies the cleansing from sin that Jesus’ death makes possible, and the new life that God gives us through the Holy Spirit.  In baptism, the promises of God are visibly signed and sealed for us.  We are joined to Christ, and made members of his body, the church.

Can I be baptised at St. Michaels?
Yes!!!  If you are a teenager or adult who is interested in becoming a Christian and being baptised, or if you already are a Christian and would like to formalise your commitment, we are very happy to help you do this.  All those who are baptised in our church are taken through an informal and relevant course on Christianity and what it means to be baptised into the christian faith.  It’s our hope that in this process you come to get to know us and our saving God better, and we get to know you.  Please contact us if you’d like to embark on this with us.

Can I have my baby baptised at St. Michael’s?
We are willing to baptise your child if:

• you or your spouse have been baptised into a Christian Church (eg. Anglican, Roman Catholic, Orthodox, Baptist, Uniting Church etc.),

AND you are:

• living in the parish of Mitcham (which includes the suburbs of Mitcham, Lower Mitcham, Clapham, Torrens Park, Netherby and Springfield); OR
• a regular attender of our church; OR
• on the church’s Electoral roll.

Because baptism is a rite of entry into our church, it should be performed in a church that is close enough for you to conveniently attend on a regular basis.  If you live beyond our area, we encourage you to investigate baptism in your local church – please contact us if you are not sure where your local church is or if you would like us to recommend where you might go.

When can I have my child baptised?
Baptisms will normally take place during our 10.00am Choral Eucharist Service, held on Sundays.  Baptisms may occasionally take place at our other Sunday services if requested.  Mutually convenient dates and times are agreed with the minister of the church.

What are Godparents?
Godparents are people who commit to pray for your child and encourage your child in the Christian faith.  (Contrary to popular belief, being a godparent implies no legal responsibilities for a child if anything happens to a child's parents).

Do there have to be Godparents, and how many?
Yes - there is a requirement in the Anglican Church that all those baptised as infants should have the support and encouragement of Godparents.  It is traditional to have 3 Godparents, two of which are of the same gender as the Baptism candidate, but you may have as many or as few as you like, provided there is at least one.

Who can be a Godparent?
Anyone who has themselves been baptised in any mainstream Christian Church (e.g. Anglican, Roman Catholic, Orthodox, Baptist, Uniting Church etc.), believes in the Christian faith and who will encourage their godchild in the faith.

What would I have to do to have my child baptised at
St. Michaels?

• Contact us and make a time to meet with a minister of the church
  (please ring 8373 3433 to book.)
• Be willing to take part in some informal instruction on what Christianity is all about, what Baptism is, and what the service means.
• Agree a date and service time with the minister as to when your child will be baptised.

We also strongly encourage you to join with us at church on the Sundays leading up to the baptism and beyond.  Our church times are listed here.

We trust that this has been of some help to you as you consider baptism at St. Michael’s.  If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

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