Baptisms, weddings and funerals at Christ Church
We welcome the Baptism of both infants and adults, and the many couples who choose to celebrate their Wedding at Christ Church. For many families, Christ Church is the place they choose to celebrate the life of a loved one through a funeral or memorial service.
Since its foundation in the 1840s Christ Church has been the setting for many, many weddings, baptisms and funerals, and for worship for the Geelong Anglican community, and holds Archival Records of baptisms, marriages and funerals since its early years.
We welcome the Baptism of infants and adults at Christ Church. One of the delights here is that people who marry at Christ Church often bring their children back for Baptism. The Baptism of a child is an important day in the life of any family, and at Christ Church we take that seriously too.
Parents are encouraged to
appreciate the spiritual aspects of baptism and the responsibility parents have
towards the faith development of their child. Our Parish clergy visit families in their homes to introduce them
to the Baptism Service so that they are best able to make a decision which they understand and desire. Families are offered the choice of
either having the Baptism included in one of our main services or as a separate service [usually
12.15pm on a Sunday], and sometimes with another family baptism. Of course
Baptism is not just for children.... adult enquirers are helped to make their own
faith decision too.
Following Baptism, even if worshipping elsewhere, there are opportunities to return to Christ Church for special celebrations - and to show us how much your special son or daughter has grown!! Two services at which families (parents, grandparents, godparents and children, of course) are especially welcome are the Christingle Service held early in Advent (late November and early December each year) and the Children's Christmas Eve Service.... but, of course, you are welcome to return and to continue to worship with us at any time.
Information or enquiries can be made with the Vicar.
(you can listen to the Christ Church organ, played by organist Gary Cowling, by clicking this icon)
Many couples choose Christ Church for their wedding service and we are extremely pleased that they do. They are attracted by the beautiful setting, the famous church and word of mouth recommendations from their friends.
The clergy take special care in
preparing couples for marriage. We work through the service together and explain
and plan with care to enhance
understanding
as well as offering low-key, non- threatening counselling and encouragement. In-depth counselling
with one of our agencies can be offered, if required.
Each wedding service is seen as a sacrament and an opportunity to express the Faith of the Bride and Groom, and of their guests. What is important is that each couple establishes a relationship with Christ Church as their home parish, particularly for those couples who are living in or plan to settle in the Geelong region.
Arrangements for marriage services are made with the Vicar. The Church appreciates early discussion of proposed wedding dates, as on some weekends there may be several marriage services, so coordination is essential!
The Christ Church main door (facing Moorabool Street to the west) has three steps to enter, but there is full whellchair access via the South porch (facing the McKillop Street side of the church) wher there is a full access ramp. Similarly the parish hall has a full access rampt allowing access to the hall itself and the adjacent kitchen. There is reserved parking for carers etc. alongside the Church.
There is car parking inside the church grounds (entry from McKillop Street) for all Sunday services, and throughout weekends, and limited parking during the week. Parking is also available in nearby streets, but check local signs as in most instances time limits apply, including at weekends.
The death of a
loved one is a time for both celebration and for sorrow. A Christian funeral
provides a structure for giving thanks for the life and gifts of a loved one,
for hearing again the Christian certainty of God's love for us in this life and
the next, and for saying last goodbyes and bringing some closure after the death
of a loved one. The Parish Vicar and clergy are always happy to discuss the
funeral and memorial service that you want for your loved one.
The Christ Church Parish Hall and Schoolroom incorporate a fully equipped
kitchen and a large space is available for refreshments after the service. The
catering group in the Parish are pleased to provide food, tea and coffee.
Information or enquiries can be
made with the Vicar.
Christ
Church Archival Records - Christ Church holds archival records of
baptisms, weddings and funerals dating from its foundation in the 1840s. These
details can be important parts of personal and family history. The Parish
Archivist, Judy Goy, is available to assist with searching and locating
personal or family records from the Christ Church Archives. A fee for searching
is charged. Judy can be contacted via the
Parish Office.
