Baptism

“Go and baptise in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit.” (Matthew 28:19)

Baptism is the sacrament through which we are welcomed into the life of Christ and his Church. Through the profession of faith made by parents and godparents on behalf of children, or spoken personally by adult candidates, we enter the Christian journey marked by powerful signs: holy water representing cleansing, forgiveness, and new birth in the Spirit; the sign of the Cross on the forehead, our badge of belonging to Christ; holy anointing oil signifying the gifts of the Holy Spirit; and the burning candle, lit from the Paschal flame, reminding us to walk in the light of Christ for life.

At St. Peter’s Box Hill we rejoice to accompany families, children, and adults as they take this step of faith, dying to sin and rising to new life with Jesus. If you or someone you care for feels drawn to be baptised or simply wishes to learn more, we warmly invite you to reach out. Those interested in preparing for baptism or confirmation are encouraged to contact the parish office so we may guide you through the process and walk together on this royal path.

Does baptism make someone a Christian?

Baptism is the beginning of Christian life as a member of the body of Christ. Baptism is the requirement for participating in the sacraments of the Church. However, a baptised person is still called to remain faithful and not turn away from Jesus.

Can children be baptised?

Yes. The traditions of the Church teach us that children should be baptised, trusting in God’s promises and believing that children are truly capable of receiving God’s grace. The Bible teaches us that entire households were baptised by the disciples of Jesus.

Can adults be baptised?

Yes. Adults preparing for baptism will be asked to complete a period of instruction and prayer to understand the faith they are embracing.

Is there a required preparation?

Yes. Usually, a meeting with the priest is arranged to review the promises, the meaning of the sacrament, and the expectations of Christian life. Those seeking baptism should be prepared to join the parish.

Weddings

“Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh. So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.” (Matthew 19:5-6)

Holy matrimony is the ceremony through which a man and woman are united in a lifelong covenant of love, faithfulness, and mutual service, blessed by God and witnessed by the Church. In Christian marriage we believe that two lives are joined to become one, reflecting Christ’s love for his people: steadfast, sacrificial, and enduring. Within the life of the Church, marriage is grounded in prayer, Scripture, and sacred vows, and nurtured through worship, community, and the grace of God. The exchange of rings symbolises an unbroken commitment, while the vows express a promise to honour, cherish, and uphold one another for life.

At St. Peter’s Box Hill, we delight in supporting couples as they prepare to take this joyful and serious step. Whether you’re newly engaged, exploring a church wedding, or seeking guidance for a Christ-centred marriage, we welcome you to journey with us. Couples interested in being married in the parish, or who would like to know more about Christian marriage preparation, are warmly invited to contact the parish office so we can walk alongside you, assist with planning, and help you prepare well for the sacred vocation of marriage.

Who can get married at St. Peter’s?

Those who are baptised, free to marry, and intend to enter a faithful and committed Christian marriage. At least one of the couple should be a baptised Christian. We expect those seeking a wedding at St. Peter’s to become members of the parish.

Is there a required preparation?

Yes. All couples are expected to participate in premarital instruction from the priest. This preparation is intended to deepen the couple’s understanding of Christian marriage and to ensure they are entering this covenant faithfully and responsibly.

Funerals

“I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live.” (John 11:25)

Christian funerals are a sacred moment in the life of the Church, where we entrust a soul into God’s eternal mercy, proclaim the hope of the resurrection, and give thanks for a life lived. Through prayers, Scripture, and the Church’s solemn rites, we seek to lay the departed to rest and to comfort the grieving with Christ’s promise that death does not have the final word. The funeral liturgy gathers family and friends into God’s presence, reminding us that those baptised into Christ share in his death and, by his grace, will also share in his risen life.

At St. Peter’s Box Hill, we consider it a deep responsibility to walk with families through this tender time. Whether organising a funeral service, seeking pastoral support, or wishing to understand the Church’s traditions for burial and remembrance, we are here to guide you with compassion and care. For all funeral inquiries, including service planning and practical arrangements, we kindly invite you to contact the parish office so we may assist you and uphold you in prayer.

Who may receive a funeral service at St. Peter’s?

The funeral and burial service is ordinarily provided for baptised Christians. Others may be considered at the discretion of the vicar, who will provide pastoral guidance in each case.

Can the service be personalised?

While the Prayer Book liturgy remains unchanged, certain elements (such as hymn selections and Scripture readings) may be chosen from suitable options in consultation with the priest.