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What else can parents do?
Pray for the child. Baptism is not just a naming ceremony; it can be a most meaningful occasion for establishing yourselves, your home and family in a right relationship with God. You may have been out of touch with the church; or you may wish to ask about baptism or confirmation for yourself. Do not hesitate to discuss any questions you may have with your priest.
When arrangements for a baptism have been made with the minister, ask him which form of service will be used, so that you and the godparents can read it carefully beforehand.
Is there a fee for baptism?
Parents should feel no obligation in this respect.
If they wish to make a donation either through the normal offertory or in some other way, they are free to do so.
If you do not reside in Rockhampton
It is customary for members of a Parish to have their children baptized in their Church within that Diocese, however due to some circumstances this is not always possible. Therefore, if you would like to have your child baptized at St Paul’s Cathedral do contact the Cathedral Parish Office.

Office Hours
Wednesdays & Fridays
9.00am—12.00pm
(07) 4927 6555
cathedral@anglicanchurchcq.org.au
www.rockhamptoncathedral.org.au
Westpac Bank
BSB no. 036 810
Account no. 300030992

St Paul’s Cathedral

Diocese of Rockhampton

Baptism
Information Booklet

Baptism

What is baptism?
Baptism is a simple ceremony of washing in water, practiced by Christians since the time of Jesus. It is a sign of turning to God, and of faith in Jesus Christ our Lord.
At the same time, baptism symbolizes Jesus’ own death and resurrection. Those who ask for baptism recognize that their standing with God depends on what Jesus did for them by his dying and rising again.
All who are baptized are received into the family of the Christian church.
What is necessary for an effective Baptism?
Baptism represents what God does for us—God gives us a new birth by the Holy Spirit. This is what we pray for when we are baptized. The one essential thing on the part of the person being baptized is sincere faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.
In the case of an infant, this response of faith must be made in the name of the infant by sponsors (parents and godparents) until such time as the infant can make his or her own responses.

Who may be Godparents?
Godparents are members of the church who have themselves been baptized and have confirmed their faith. They may be either the parents themselves, or others close to the family who are interested in the child’s spiritual nurture. Godparents should be able to answer ‘Yes’ to the following two questions:
Are you yourself a follower of Jesus Christ and a member of his Church, sincerely believing the promises of God?
Are you willing to sponsor this child, answering for him/her now, and accepting responsibility for his/her Christian up bringing?
Traditional practice has been that a boy has two Godfathers and a Godmother , and a girl has two Godmothers and a Godfather. Parents may be Godparents for their own children provided there is a third Godparent. Extra Godparents are permitted because of relationship or other Christian affiliation. Proxy Godparents are permitted.
The Duties of Godparents
Those who act as Godparents in baptism are accepting the responsibility, with parents, of providing encouragement, teaching and the help of a good example so that the children may be brought up to follow Christ and become faithful members of the church.
What is promised or undertaken in Baptism?
Three promises are made by all candidates for baptism, and these also are the undertakings made by godparents when the candidate is a child:
A renunciation of ‘the world, the flesh, and the devil’, which means a rejection of all that is opposed to love.
A belief in God, the Creator, the Son and the Holy Spirit, which means trust in God as the one who made us, in Jesus as the one who saves us, and in the Holy Spirit who makes us like Jesus:
A firm intention to obey God and follow his leading in our lives.
‘When should baptism take place?
Baptism should, whenever possible, be at a public church service on Sundays. This means the whole congregation may witness the admission of the newly-baptized and welcome them. However, the service may take place at other times e.g. on a Saturday afternoon. Please discuss with the Dean.

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