BAPTISM

From the Rector

In all world where events and adverse energies can all too often deprive and deny us of life’s joy and wonder, it is empowering to know that we are offered the most bountiful gift of new life in the sacrament of Baptism.

Christianity is a Faith which proclaims that when all seemed lost through Jesus Christ’s death, God raised and glorified his Son in the celebration we know as Easter. Whenever someone, child or adult, is Baptised, that new life of Easter is celebrated all over again. Jesus said during his ministry, “I come to give you life in all abundance.” This new life is set before us through the dynamics of the Baptismal experience. Where there is sin – it is washed away; where there is uncertainty on our part, God’s promise is to raise us to new life; where there fear of the future, God’s promises the Holy Spirit to empower us for living life in this life and in the world to come.

Baptism at St. Mary’s is always an expression of joy, hope, freedom, Easter mystery, reconciliation and the assurance of the abundance of God’s Spirit sustaining us for the journey of life. Whether the Baptismal Rite is conducted in the setting of the Choral Eucharist or at some other time and liturgical context, the celebration remains the same. There is in all we do, the gospel proclamation of new life is our credo and our focus. The abundance of God’s love, and God is love, is at the heart of all Baptismal celebration. This calls for a response from those connected with the Baptism. It requires thought, prayer, preparation and commitment to the life of Jesus of Nazareth, in and through the church, his Body today.

Whilst all Baptisms are a joyful celebration for families and friends, all celebrations of Baptism at St. Mary’s are more than a token ‘wetting the baby’s head!’. There is preparation required and expected and a seminar is offered on a monthly basis to assist in this process. Families of infant children are expected to attend one of these seminars and also to have attended worship in the period leading up to the Baptism. All Baptisms are conducted on the first Sunday of the month.

Many adults are baptized as well as are young children. We have offered classes for people seeking Baptism as adults and this is usually connected to the ‘Laying on of Hands’, traditionally performed by the Bishop. In the past two years, numbers of adults have been prepared for adult Christian Initiation over a period of six sessions (often on a Sunday afternoon), prior to their Baptism and Confirmation by the Regional Bishop.

There is no fee for a Baptism as it is the celebration of new life freely given by God. A Thanksgiving Offering is encouraged and this varies for different people. Please call us for an appointment to talk further about the wonderful celebration of Baptism into the Christian life at St. Mary’s, Kangaroo Point, Brisbane.

The world in which we live is both a beautiful and dynamic experience. It can also be a scenario of fear, malice and disappointment. In a world where we know so much about the lives of our neighbours, we see more and more violence, racial and religious intolerance and lost trust and faith in those who lead and who let many down by living unfaithfully and destructively. Into this world enters continually the God who creates, recreates and rejuvenates the broken and flagging human spirit. St. Mary’s is a place where people come to make contact with the God of creation, recreation and rejuvenation. We meet the Holy Other whose wholesome Spirit is the source of new life, peace and love.

People come to St. Mary’s at Kangaroo Point to engage the Holy Other in prayer, liturgy, music, community in the context of a modern form of sanctuary. For each that is different. All are accepted and embraced. We hope you enjoy our Webb site and feel personally our invitation to join us for worship or in any of the connections you may feel interested in.

It is the feeling of many that St. Mary’s is a haven of hope, through the preached messages, the private ministry of reconciliation and pastoral care and through the uplifting music of our Organist and our Choir.

In difficult days, St. Mary’s is a beacon on the cliffs of Kangaroo Point, Brisbane, helping people to connect with themselves and with God. Do come and join us

Fr. Stephen Redhead
Rector

ARRANGING A BAPTISM

Baptisms are celebrated at St Marys on the first Sunday of each month, both as part of the normal Parish 9.00am Eucharist service, or alternatively as a separate Baptism service at 11.00am.

A Baptism information leaflet, “The Sacrament of Holy Baptism” is available by download or post, as is a Baptism Application form for return to St Marys parish office. A Booking availability schedule indicates dates and times for which baptism bookings can be accepted.