Christenings and baptisms at Australian churches
By Vinay Koshy, Editor
A christening (or infant baptism) is a Christian sacrament welcoming a newborn or young child into the church community. In Australia most Catholic, Anglican, Uniting, Orthodox and Lutheran parishes offer christenings, typically for babies aged 2 to 12 months. Ceremonies run 20 to 45 minutes and are usually held during or after a Sunday service. Parish offerings typically range from $150 to $400, with cathedrals higher.
Last verified: 2026-07-03.
How to arrange a christening
- Contact the parish 6 to 12 weeks ahead.The parish office will confirm available Sundays, whether the ceremony is standalone or during the main Sunday service, the suggested offering, and whether preparation classes are required. Catholic parishes typically need the longest lead time (8–12 weeks); Anglican and Uniting parishes are usually flexible with 4–8 weeks' notice.
- Confirm godparent eligibility.Catholic parishes require at least one sponsor who is a confirmed Catholic aged 16 or older, with proof of confirmation. Anglican parishes ask that godparents be baptised Christians. Uniting churches are the most open. Check the specific parish's requirements before finalising your godparent choices, since confirming a proof-of-confirmation can add weeks to the timeline.
- Attend the preparation session. Most Catholic parishes require a preparation class or interview with the priest for the parents and often the godparents. Anglican parishes usually offer an optional session. Uniting parishes may include a short conversation with the minister. Preparation is typically free and covers the meaning of the sacrament, the promises made during the ceremony, and practical logistics.
- Provide the details for the register.The parish needs the child's full name, parents' full names, date and place of birth, godparents' names, and in the Catholic case, evidence of at least one parent's Catholic baptism. This information is recorded permanently in the parish baptismal register.
Typical costs
Parish offerings for christenings are lower than for weddings or funerals in most denominations. Ranges below cover suburban parishes; cathedrals and heritage churches sit at the top of the range or above. Contact the parish for current offerings.
| Item | Typical cost (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Parish offering (suburban) | $150–$400 |
| Cathedral or heritage church offering | $400–$800 |
| Christening gown or outfit | $100–$300 |
| Godparent gifts (per godparent) | $50–$150 |
| Christening cake | $100–$250 |
| Post-ceremony reception (12–30 guests) | $400–$2,000 |
Many parishes will not refuse a family that cannot pay the suggested offering. Ask directly if cost is a concern.
What each denomination requires
- Catholic — at least one parent should be a practising Catholic in most parishes. Preparation classes for parents (and often godparents) are usually required. Godparent(s) must include at least one confirmed Catholic aged 16 or older; a second godparent from another Christian denomination may act as a Christian witness. See all Catholic parishes in the directory.
- Anglican — generally open to families with a local connection. Godparents are expected to be baptised Christians. A short preparation session is usually offered rather than required. Ceremonies typically take place during the main Sunday service. See Anglican parishes.
- Uniting — the most flexible of the mainline denominations. Godparent faith requirements are minimal and preparation is a conversation rather than a course. See Uniting congregations.
- Lutheran and Presbyterian — infant baptism is the norm. Preparation expectations are similar to Anglican practice. See Lutheran and Presbyterian churches.
- Orthodox and Eastern Catholic — Greek Orthodox, Russian Orthodox, Maronite, Coptic, Antiochian and similar parishes combine baptism, chrismation (a sealing with holy oil) and first communion into a single ceremony. Godparents must be from the same tradition. See Orthodox churches.
- Baptist, Pentecostal and independent evangelical — do not perform infant christenings. Instead they offer infant dedication, a prayer service where parents commit to raising the child as a Christian. Baptism at these churches is reserved for individuals who can profess their own faith, typically from age 12 upward and often by full immersion.
Christening, baptism, and dedication
The three words describe overlapping but distinct ceremonies. Getting the terminology right helps you contact the correct type of church.
| Ceremony | What happens | Denominations that use it |
|---|---|---|
| Christening | Everyday term for infant baptism. Water is applied, the child is named, godparents make promises on the child's behalf. | Catholic, Anglican, Uniting, Lutheran, Presbyterian, some Reformed churches. |
| Baptism | Theological term for the sacrament. Includes infant baptism (christening) and believer's baptism (adults or older children). Believer's baptism is typically by full immersion. | Used by every Christian denomination — but Baptist, Pentecostal and independent churches reserve it for believers' baptism only. |
| Infant dedication | Non-sacramental prayer service. No water is applied. Parents commit to raising the child in the Christian faith; the congregation commits to support. | Baptist, Pentecostal, most independent evangelical churches, and some Churches of Christ. |
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a christening and a baptism?
In most Australian usage the two words describe the same event. "Baptism" is the theological term for the sacrament of initiation into the Christian church, using water. "Christening" is the everyday word most Australians use for the ceremony when it is performed on an infant, and it also encompasses the giving of the child's Christian name. Catholic, Anglican, Uniting, Orthodox and Lutheran churches all describe the infant ceremony as a baptism formally, though "christening" is used interchangeably in invitations and family conversation.
How old does the baby need to be?
Most Australian christenings happen between 2 and 12 months of age, with 3 to 6 months the most common window. Catholic canon law encourages baptism within the first few weeks of life; Anglican and Uniting parishes are more flexible. There is no upper age limit — older children and adults can also be baptised, though the preparation process is longer.
Do the godparents need to be Christian?
In Catholic churches, at least one godparent (called a sponsor) must be a confirmed Catholic aged 16 or older; a second godparent from another Christian denomination is permitted as a Christian witness. Anglican churches typically expect the godparents to be baptised Christians. Uniting Church and most Protestant churches accept godparents who are supportive family or friends without a formal faith requirement. Orthodox and Eastern Catholic churches require godparents from within the same tradition.
Can we christen an older child or an adult?
Yes. Older-child and adult baptisms are common — in Catholic churches this is done through the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA), typically at the Easter Vigil after 6–12 months of preparation. Anglican and Uniting parishes offer adult baptism as part of the normal Sunday service after a shorter preparation period (a few sessions to a few months). Baptist and Pentecostal churches only practice believer's baptism (typically by full immersion) and do not perform infant christenings.
How much does a christening cost in Australia?
Parish offerings for a christening typically run $150 to $400 in a suburban parish, with cathedrals and heritage churches at $400 to $800. Additional costs usually include a christening gown or outfit ($100–$300), godparent gifts ($50–$150 each), a christening cake ($100–$250), and any post-ceremony reception. Many parishes will not refuse a family that cannot pay the suggested offering.
Do we need to be members of the church?
Practice varies. Catholic parishes usually ask that at least one parent be a practising Catholic and that the family attend Mass regularly; some require preparation classes over a few months. Anglican parishes are generally open, though some ask for a local connection or attendance at a preparation session. Uniting and most Protestant churches are broadly open. Orthodox and Eastern Catholic parishes require the parents to be members of that tradition.
What is the difference between christening and infant dedication?
Christening (infant baptism) applies water to the child and is a sacrament of the church. Infant dedication is a non-sacramental prayer service in which parents commit to raising the child in the Christian faith without applying water. Baptist, Pentecostal, and many independent evangelical churches offer dedications rather than christenings because their theology reserves baptism for people who can profess their own faith later in life. Both ceremonies celebrate the child; they carry different theological weight.
Find a parish near you
The directory lists 13,329 active churches across every Australian state and territory. Browse by capital city or by denomination to find a parish that can host the christening.