Baptism information from St Paul's Roma Qld



What is Baptism?

Baptism is one of the central sacraments of the Church. Through it, we believe that the baptised person is established in a new relationship with God and becomes a member of the Christian church.

Who can be baptised?

We welcome for baptism any person who wishes to declare their allegiance to Jesus Christ. We also welcome infants and children whose parents commit themselves to the promises of baptism.


What happens in Baptism?

  • Parents and godparents make faith promises on behalf of a child
  • Water is used as a symbol of God’s cleansing and renewing power
  • The person is baptised into the Christian faith in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit
  • Parents and godparents promise to nurture and encourage the child in the Christian faith
  • All at the service welcome and pray for the new member of the Christian community
  • Baptism normally occurs within the 9.00am Sunday service on the second Sunday of the month. Where necessary, alternative arrangements may be made in consultation with the clergy.

What is the role of Godparents?

  • To share with parents the responsibility of making promises on behalf of the child
  • To work with parents to support and nurture the child in the Christian faith
  • To encourage the child in taking personal ownership of the faith into which baptised
  • There are normally three Godparents – two female and one male for a girl and two male and one female for a boy, however this is not essential.
  • Because of the promises they will make, Church law requires that godparents must be aged 18 years or over and have been baptised into the Christian church

Do we have to be active Church members?

  • We welcome all those who seek the ministry of the church
  • The Service of Thanksgiving is open to all without restriction
  • Baptism requires (by Church law) that at least one parent is baptised in the Christian faith
  • We would encourage you to be involved in the life of the church as much as you are able and look forward to sharing your child’s faith journey with you.