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What marriage means

Marriage according to Christian teaching is the union of a man and a woman to the exclusion of all others, voluntarily entered into for life. By being married in a Christian Church you are affirming that you wish to base your marriage on Christian principles and that you intend to live together according to God's Law. Also being married in church you come to seek God's blessing and grace in your life together.

Do you need to attend church?

If you are not already attending church in the parish, It is important to come and worship together in the church where you will be married. This establishes a good precedent for the future and enables you to know the church and our clergy before the wedding. The Sunday service times are at 7 am, 9.30 am or 5.45 pm throughout the year.

When do you wish to be married

Marriages may be scheduled throughout the year, except during Holy Week, the week between Palm Sunday and Easter. You can have your ceremony in the church, in the church garden or a place of your choosing

What do you need to do

A personal meeting with the Rector is required before the arrangements for the marriage can be finalised. At this meeting a time and date can be set which is suitable to other church bookings. At least one party to the marriage must be baptised. Your Baptism Certificate and/or your Confirmation Certificate will be required. The minimum age for marriage is 18 years The witnesses must also be at least 18 years of age. For more information contact the Parish Office, telephone (Office) 5532 8978 during business hours.

Remarriage after Divorce

Remarriage of divorced persons is permitted by the Anglican Church when certain conditions are met. For more information on this matter, contact the Parish Priest, Father Harry Reuss, telephone (Office) 5532 8978 or (Rectory) 5531 1702 or email>>>

Baptism

The first step in our spiritual life

We become members of the Family of God and the Church. In Baptism we are received and welcomed as: Fellow members of the Family of Christ If your child Is too young to make promises, you should invite Godparents and/or Sponsors who will continue to take a warm and personal interest in your child and with you will promise to help and encourage by prayer, example and teaching. In order to help you and the Godparents of your child understand your role in the child's spiritual development and to help you become familiar with the baptism service we suggest you make an appointment to see our Parish Priest, Father Harry Reuss, telephone (Office) 5532 8978 or (Rectory) 5531 1702 or email >>>

The Baptism Service

Baptism Services are incorporated with the Sunday 9.30 am service at St. Peter's The Baptism Service is integrated into the Parish Eucharist Service. Water is used during Baptism and the sign of the Cross will be made on the child's forehead. A lighted Candle may be given to you for the newly baptised person who now belongs to Jesus Christ, The Light of the World. A Certificate of the Baptism will be presented to you. This Is an Important document - it should be kept In a safe place.

Funerals

Arranging a Funeral

Where death is imminent, the clergy appreciate the opportunity of ministry to both the patient and the family. St. Peter's Southport are also ready to support and assist the family when death has occurred. The funeral director will look after the details of the funeral, but it is important to contact us before the arrangements are finalised to ensure that the time chosen is suitable to all concerned.

As a guide the following arrangements are generally suitable.

	Where a cremation is desired the whole service (including the committal) can be held in the church or the crematorium chapel.
	Where burial is desired the service in the church is followed by a committal at the cemetery or the whole service can be held at the cemetery.
	After the service in the church the reception room in the Parish Centre using the undercroft is usually available for the family to have a morning tea or other occasion with the extended family and friends.
	The Ladies Guild can look after your catering needs if required.

For more information contact the Parish Office telephone (Office) 5532 8978 or (Rectory) 5531 1702 or email >>>

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