Baptisms at The Abbey Church
At the Abbey Church, baptisms (also known as christenings) are held for both infants and adults on a Sunday after the morning Holy Communion service.
What to Expect at Your Baptism
Usually, the first baptism commences at 11am. Baptismal services are booked individually, so only your family and your invited guests will attend the service for your child.
The service takes approximately 20 minutes and includes hymns and prayers. During the baptismal ceremony a small amount of Holy Water is poured over the head and the child or adult anointed with Holy Oils and given a white robe. Babies also receive a small baptismal cross which has been blessed. Some parents dress their baby in a traditional white robe, new or passed down through the family, but this is not required and it is more important that your child is comfortable in whatever they wear. You are also welcome to bring your own baptismal candle if you would like a memento of the day.
Godparents and Certificates
Parents are encouraged to nominate godparents for their child, traditionally two godparents are recommended. At the end of the ceremony parents will be given a Baptismal certificate, this includes the names of all Godparents, along with the date, the church, the parents and the officiating clergy. There may be times later in your child’s life when the certificate is needed, as some private schools ask for it, so we recommend you scan and save a digital copy.
How to Book a Baptism
While there is no set fee for a baptism, a donation is appreciated.
A baptism needs at least four weeks, because baptisms are only on set Sundays, and is subject to availability.
If you have any questions regarding booking a Baptism for your child, please phone the Abbey Church on 1300 172 333 or send an email to enquiries@abbeychurch.com.au.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between baptism and christening?
In the Abbey Church the terms of baptism and christening are interchangeable. In some other churches the term ‘christening’ is used specifically for infant baptisms and the term ‘baptism’ used for people of any age. At the Abbey Church we baptise people of any age, and those old enough to speak for themselves do not need godparents.
Do I need to be a member of the Abbey Church to have my child baptised?
No, the Abbey Church offers this sacred blessing to all who ask for themselves or for their baby or child.
What religion will my child have after the baptism service?
At the Abbey Church an individual, infant or child is baptised into the Christian faith. The official denomination of our church is the Orthodox Catholic Church of Christ the King. Please understand we are not a Roman Catholic Church.
Who can be a godparent, and what is their role?
We recommend at least two godparents, although your child can be baptised without one. Traditionally the role is to act as a positive role model, supporting the parents with the child’s spiritual upbringing and personal development. We encourage parents to choose godparents who will be a lasting influence in their child’s life, people who will inspire them to become the best person they can be.
It is preferable that godparents attend the baptism, and that they have some spiritual belief or understanding, but they do not need to be baptised themselves, and if they are, it need not have been in our church. Where circumstances prevent a godparent attending, what matters is that they understand what the role involves.
At the baptism, godparents answer three questions on behalf of the child:
- Do you believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of Heaven and Earth?
- Do you believe in Jesus Christ, His only Son, Our Lord, Who was Conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, Who suffered for us, and rose triumphant on the third day?
- Do you believe in the Holy Ghost, the Holy Catholic Church, the Communion of Saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body and the life ever-lasting?
Is there a cost to having a baptism at the Abbey Church?
While the Abbey Church does not charge for a baptism, we do ask for a donation towards the cost of the baptismal robe, certificate and cross that your child will receive.
Ask us about a baptism
Baptisms at the Abbey Church start with a conversation, not a form. No membership, and no need to have been before.
Call 1300 172 333or email enquiries@abbeychurch.com.au.