Years of tradition has meant that Saint Mary’s has conducted almost ten thousand baptisms since 1863. Our registers contain the records of many generations of the same family being admitted into the wider Church through baptism in this beautiful place.
Holy Baptism is full initiation by water and the Holy Spirit into Christ’s Body, the Church. The bond which God establishes in Baptism is indissoluble—it is unbreakable.
Baptism is one of the two "sacraments" or "signs" which we as an Anglican Church practice. Baptism of adults is the follow on from becoming an active disciple of Jesus Christ. Jesus said to people he met "Repent and be baptised". "Repent", means to turn your life around and head in God's direction. Baptism is a sign of cleansing and forgiveness of sin. It is the starting point of a new life - a "born again" life being lived for God. Here is a link to help you discover what is involved in becoming a follower of Christ: two ways to live
The baptism of infants happens not on the faith of the child, but on the faith of the parents. Parents who have come to that point in their lives where they want to live for God and have been cleansed and forgiven, make the decision to bring their children to be baptised. This is a decision to actively nurture their children in the Christian faith, bringing them along to Church and it's activities, praying with them and reading the Bible to them.
Baptism is usually part of the 10.00am Eucharist Service on the 1st Sunday of each month. This enables a large part of the congregation to witness the admission of the newly-baptised into Christ’s Church and to welcome them. It also serves to remind the rest of the Community of the profession of faith made in their own baptism.
Each candidate for Holy Baptism is to be sponsored by one or more baptised persons. It is preferred that at least one of the sponsors should be an Anglican. The others can be of any other "mainline" denomination.
Sponsors of adults and older children present their candidates and thereby signify their endorsement of the candidates and their intention to support them by prayer and example in their Christian life.
Sponsors of infants, commonly called Godparents, present their candidates, make a public profession of faith and trust in Jesus Christ, and promise that the child/children will be actively brought up in the Christian faith, and that they will encourage them to be Confirmed- taking on for themselves the promises made on their behalf. It is fitting that parents are included among the godparents of their own children.
There is no charge for Baptism but donations always help support the ministry of the church through Saint Mary’s.
Parents meet with the clergy for preparation and instruction in the meaning of Baptism, in their duties to help their children grow in the knowledge and love of God, and in their responsibilities as members of God’s Church here at Waverley.
Baptism involves an ongoing and active membership of St Mary's. The Rector, the Reverend Peter Clark encourages you to contact him regarding baptism. He suggests that you introduce yourselves to him after one of the services, receive a ‘Baptism Pack’ and plan an appointment to meet with him.
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In the event that you require a copy of Baptism details from the
Saint Mary’s Baptism Register you can provide details on
the Records
Search page.
