FAQ
The Answers You Need
Do I need to be a member of Burleigh Heads Anglican Church (BHAC) or live in Burleigh Heads in order to have my child baptised there?
No. BHAC is pleased to accept requests from anyone desiring to arrange for a baptism in our church. However, we would encourage you to make contact with your local Anglican church if at all possible.
Do I or my partner need to be baptised?
Yes. One of the parents presenting a child for baptism must themselves be baptised. If neither of you are, however, please speak to the Parish Priest about this.
Do I or my partner need to be baptised Anglican?
No. Baptism is into the Christian faith, not a particular church or denomination. The Anglican church accepts and recognizes all Christian baptism.
How old is too old for baptism?
There is no age limit on Holy Baptism and it is never too late to arrange a baptism. Where the candidate is able to make the vows and promises necessary for themselves, the service will be one of adult baptism. For further details regarding this please contact the Parish Priest.
Can I have a ‘private baptism’?
No. Baptism occurs within the context of the Christian community and thus cannot be performed privately. In an emergency, such as the imminent death of a person who wishes to be baptised, baptism can be performed within the context of this situation, such as a hospital.
What if we want a time other than Sunday?
All baptisms at BHAC are celebrated on Sundays.
Can I have the baptism during a Sunday service?
Yes, of course! Unless there is something special happening that prevents it, any Sunday service at 8:30am may include a baptism. (We also have a non-traditional service at 10:30am on Sundays and a mid-week Wednesday worship service that can be available for baptism if need be).
How long will the service be if the baptism is to be during a Sunday service?
The traditional Sunday service usually concludes about 10am. In addition to the baptism, the service will include hymns, readings from the Bible, a sermon, and Holy Communion.
Does my child have to wear white, or other special clothing?
No. Many families dress the child to be baptised in a white gown, but the clothing worn is entirely at the discretion of the family bringing the child for baptism.
Do I need to bring a candle?
No. The church will supply a candle to be lit during the baptism, however some families like to provide their own candle, and that is fine.
Who are the sponsors?
At the baptism of a child the parent or parents of the child together with the godparents are collectively the sponsors. Together, the sponsors present the child for baptism and make the necessary vows and promises at the service. At an adult baptism there are no godparents but there may be one or more sponsors supporting the candidate.
How many godparents should I have?
For every child to be baptised there shall be three Godparents of whom two shall be of the same sex as the child; when three cannot conveniently be had, one Godfather and one Godmother shall be sufficient. Parents may be sponsors for their own children provided that the child has at least one other Godparent.
Do I have to have godparents?
Yes. However, the parent or parents can act as sponsors and assume this role, but there must be at least one sponsor who isn't a parent. If the parents are acting as sponsors at least one of them must be baptised.
Do the godparents have to be Anglicans?
No, but they should be Christian.
Do the godparents have to be baptised?
Yes, they do. The godparents role is to support the candidate in his or her faith, attend church with the candidate, and offer regular prayer for them, so it logically follows they ought to be themselves practicing Christians. The godparents may be baptised in any Christian denomination.
Is there a fee for baptism at BHAC?
No. As baptism is a sacrament of the church, no fee is applied for its celebration. Most families do, however, make a donation to the church. This can be left with the priest on the day of the baptism, or if the baptism is taking place during a Sunday service of worship, placed in the offertory bowl when the collection is taken up. Donations in thanksgiving for Holy Baptism, of any size, are gratefully received. A suggested donation is $200.00. If you would like to give a more substantial donation to the life of the church in thanksgiving for the baptism, please talk to the Parish Priest.