Sacraments
Welcome to our Anglican community, where we celebrate life's most significant moments through the sacred sacraments. These sacraments are not just ceremonies, but profound expressions of faith, love, and hope. We invite you to join us in these holy rites, where we come together to bless new beginnings, unite in love, and honor the lives of those who have passed. Whether you are seeking to baptize a child, celebrate a wedding, or commemorate a loved one, our doors are open to you with warmth and grace. Come, be a part of our spiritual family, and experience the deep connection and peace that our sacraments bring.
Holy Baptism • Weddings • Funerals • First Communions • Home Communions • Confirmation • Confession
Baptism
What is Baptism?
Baptism is one of the essential sacraments of the Christian faith that enables people to express their commitment to a life long relationship with God through faith in Jesus Christ.
Christians make this commitment to Jesus, as we believe he is the one who has worked to save us from our broken relationship with God (commonly called sin). Jesus lived his life fully trusting God and then freely entered into death, which is the consequence of sin. He did this in the confidence that God would accept his sacrifice and give him the gift of eternal life. On Easter day Christians celebrate that through his absolute trust in God, the power of death was broken and so Jesus was seen and experienced alive.
So Baptism expresses the washing away of an old way of life and the beginning of a new way of life that is committed to living with faith in Jesus. Living the Christian life well does not just happen, like many things in life, it takes effort and constant practice. This is characterised by prayer, reading and studying the Bible, along with active involvement in worship with a local faith community.
Children are Baptised on the basis of their parents faith as they clearly are not able to make their own response to God. Because of this parents are asked if they will undertake to ensure their child is brought up with the teachings of the Christian faith and involvement in the life of the Church till a time when they can make their own response to God. Confirmation is the name given to the ritual when those who were baptised as children make their own response to God.
Weddings
Why a Church wedding?
Because your Wedding Day is such a special event, it is important that the place you choose to exchange your vows is one that is special also. This may be one of our local worship centers or a location that is special to you as a couple. The Parish clergy must also give their agreement to officiate at the requested location.
St Margaret’s in Rainbow St Sandgate is a Heritage listed building full of history and atmosphere and can provide the perfect setting for your special day.
Every day we use words to express our thoughts and feelings, a Christian wedding enables couples to not only express their love for each other but also their desire to seek the blessing and guidance of God through their marriage. Unlike a civil ceremony that excludes all mention of God, a Church wedding actively involves God through out the words of the ceremony.
Documents That Are Required
Fill out this form online, print it out and bring it to your first preparation interview.
We also require this Wedding Information form be completed by each couple.
A full copy of Birth Certificates for Bride and Groom.
If either party has been divorced they will need to have a copy of the original Decree Absolute.
A Christian wedding ceremony gives a couple opportunity to express commitment to their relationship with each other. It also enables them to express their relationship with God and their desire to have God involved in their life together as husband and wife
Our Parish supports couples through a number of interviews that explore the special character of Christian marriage, provides a number of practical resources to help the couple grow and strengthen their relationship over time and then an in-depth exploration of the order of service that will be such a special part of your wedding day.
When a loved one dies, it is important that the funeral honours the deceased and cares for the bereaved. Our parish takes this dual role very seriously and considers it a privilege to conduct a funeral.
A funeral is normally arranged through the funeral directors of your choice. Their charges include the services of a priest or celebrant and an organist. Tell your funeral director that you would like a priest from the Parish of Sandgate Northpoint to conduct the funeral. They will contact us and the priest will meet with you to discuss the service.
The funeral can occur at the Church or at the funeral parlour’s chapel as you prefer. If there is to be a burial, we will conduct the graveside service also.
Funerals
First Communions
First Communion for children aged 8 years and older. Please contact the parish office if you would like to have your child placed on the candidates list.
Home Communions
The clergy and a team of liturgical assistants are available to bring Holy Communion to members of our community who are unable to join us at Church, either short or long term.
Confirmation
Confirmation of baptism vows occurs for children in Year 8 or older and for adults at any stage. Confirmation takes place with the Bishop during their annual visit.
Confession
Confession can be arranged at any time by contacting the Parish Priest