Weddings, Baptisms, First Communion, Confirmation & Funerals

BAPTISM

There is a Baptism enquiry document in our On Line document section, please refer to this document for further detail.

We are delighted that you are considering baptism at St Matthew's Church. Fr Jeff will be pleased to talk to you about what is involved. We hope that these notes will assist you and your chosen godparents to prepare for this important occasion and make it more meaningful for you.

When

Baptisms normally take place during the 9.00am Sunday service. There may exceptions depending on the Church's calendar and events programmed in the life of the parish family. Please stay and enjoy morning coffee with us following the service. The Priest-in-Charge, at his discretion, may allow you to have the service at another time.

The Baptism

The baptism is a simple and beautiful service, with everyone gathered around the font, which is near the main doors to the Church. We ask the parents and godparents to stand together. You will be given an order of service and guidance as to what to say and when.

Godparents

The Prayer Book commends for boys two Godfathers and one Godmother; and for girls two Godmothers and one Godfather. Godparents must be baptised and preferably confirmed.

The symbols of Baptism

The font is placed by the main door because baptism is the means by which we enter and become members of Christ's Church. The word 'font' comes from the Latin word fons meaning spring or fount of water, symbolising the new life which God gives us through the Holy Spirit.

The christening robe, or white garment, is a symbol of innocence and new life in Christ. The child is clothed with Christ. The water of baptism has a twofold symbolism - water washes away and cleanses our sins; water is also a symbol of life and refreshment.

The sign of the Cross is the mark or badge of a Christian. Tracing the sign of the Cross on the baby's forehead shows that the baby is a child of Christ.

The candle given after baptism (lit from the Paschal or Easter candle representing the Risen and Living Lord) is a reminder that the Spirit of the Christ lives as a flame in your child. The parish provides a candle, but it is possible for you to bring your own if you wish. We hope that you will keep the candle and light it on the anniversary of the baptism as a reminder of the ceremony.

Your child will also be anointed with the Holy Oil of Chrism. In the Bible, kings and queens were anointed to show that their lives were to be dedicated to God. Your child's life is dedicated to God in baptism.

Photography

We understand that you may like to have some photos or a video taken of the occasion. It is nice to have a record of the service but it is more important to be part of the service. Please talk to the priest before the service to obtain permission.

Cost

There is no fee for baptism. This Sacrament is a gift to you. If you wish, however, to make a thank-offering please feel free to do so.

Certificates

Your child's baptism will be recorded in the baptism register and you will receive a certificate.

WELCOME TO YOUR FIRST COMMUNION

When children were baptised they became members of the Church, the Family of God. At their first Communion children are told, through the help of their parents and teachers, they have learned about this service of Holy Communion, and to take part in it. They have come to share with us the Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ and we look forward to the future, when they will be confirmed by the Bishop and commissioned for Christian witness and service as adults.

CONFIRMATION

In confirmation, commitment to Christ is personally affirmed and the candidates are confirmed by the laying on of hands by a bishop with prayer for the strengthening of the Holy Spirit. Those confirmed are commissioned for mature discipleship and ministry to the world. Confirmation should be viewed as an important and necessary part of Christian formation towards full discipleship, and is explained in A Prayer Book for Australia.

WEDDINGS

There is a Wedding enquiry document in our On Line document section, please refer to this for further detail

There are many reasons for choosing to marry at St Matthew's, and we are delighted that you are considering the Parish for your wedding. St Matthew's Church is a sacred and historic place, established in 1904, the beautiful building provides a stunning setting.

We offer a Christian ceremony in which the couple, with their friends and family, ask for God’s blessing on their married life together. Our clergy also offer marriage preparation and through referral to other providers.

Weddings for 50-160 guests can be comfortably accommodated in the Church. The Church is also a beautiful place for an evening wedding by candlelight.

Requirements for Being Married

There are some requirements for being married at St Matthew's. These are set by the Parish Priest and the Parish Council 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

FUNERALS

Funerals can be held in St Matthew's itself or clergy are available to preside at services at funeral homes or cemeteries. All services are conducted in accordance with the published rites of the Anglican Church and clergy are required to provide a Christian service. For those parishioners wishing to plan their funeral please contact the clergy and a parish funeral planning document will be provided.