Celebrating life

 

Baptism

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Baptism is the foundation sacrament of all Christians, in other words, in baptism you become a Christian and begin a life long journey. In Baptism we are made one with Jesus in his passion, death and resurrection. By water and word a person is 'grafted' to Christ and gifted with the Holy Spirit. The person also is made one with Christ in his body, the Church. Baptism is an outward sign of an inner gift of God’s grace. Baptism is not repeated. Once you are baptised you are 'marked' forever as a disciple of Jesus.

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Infants and Children are baptised in response to God’s all-embracing love. Parents and godparents who have responded to that love bring children for baptism and make the promises on behalf of the child.

 

It is very common now that Adults approach the church seeking baptism. Adults are usually fully initiated as Christians, that is they are baptised, confirmed, and receive the Eucharist in one liturgical event usually conducted by the Bishop. Adults too tend to have a longer preparation period, sometimes up to a year, before they are baptised. In this preparation period the adult person is ordinarily admitted as a Catechumen, i.e, one who is being taught.   

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When you are ready to arrange your baptism, or the baptism of your child, please come to one of our services and speak with our clergy.

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Confirmation

 

Confirmation is one important way by which Christians affirm their faith. It enables those baptised as a child, when promises were made for them by their parents and godparents, to confirm their faith for themselves.

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Marriage

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Christ Church Beechworth and St Jude's Eldorado are beautiful and historic buildings in which couples can marry. A marriage celebrated with us will follow the liturgy of the Anglican Church of Australia.

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Our clergy can talk with you about choosing our churches for your wedding and help you prepare for this commitment and the ceremony itself. They will discuss with both of you the form of the service, your responsibilities to each other, legal requirements, music and other arrangements.

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Funerals

 

At Christ Church and St Jude's we regularly celebrate the lives of those who have died, in the hope that funerals and memorial services may help the beginning of healing the wounds of grief. We do so in the belief in God, the source and giver of life.

 

God’s good news proclaims Jesus Christ to be our living Lord, who laid down his life for us. He knew death, yet triumphed over it, drawing its sting, and was raised by God to new life. Christians affirm the presence of the Spirit of Christ, who helps us in our weakness. Yet we, with all mortals, still face death. Those who put their trust in Christ share the sufferings of their Lord, even in the midst of God’s love and care.

 

Funerals and memorial services proclaim hope in the face of death: Jesus’ resurrection is the promise of our own. Please contact our clergy to talk about arranging a funeral in our churches.

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Email

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