Vicar's Welcome

Fr Lankiri Thaba

Vicar · Christ Church Geelong

Welcome to the website of Christ Church Geelong

Christ Church Geelong (CCG) is an Anglican Parish within the Diocese of Melbourne, offering a variety of worship and spiritual opportunities to help people, both within and outside the parish, put Christ at the center of their lives. Our mission is not about serving ourselves, but about serving God... It is not our purpose to pursue our own agendas; instead, our goal is to serve Christ.

We aim to be a center for worship of God, providing strength and support to everyone who enters, and enabling God's love in Christ to reach out to the community and the world we live in.

We are a diverse and inclusive inner-city parish where everyone is welcome and included, regardless of race, culture, age, ethnicity, gender, or sexual orientation—families, couples, singles—and whether you have worshiped in another religion or denomination before. We encourage everyone to listen to and respect one another—our community is guided by kindness, generosity, and grace—and, above all, by God's love for all humanity and creation.

Come and visit us, join us for worship, ask about who we are, use the serenity of our church to pray, or take quiet time to sit and reflect. Whether you live nearby or are just visiting, come and become part of the Christ Church faith community.

Liturgy & Tradition

Our Tradition

The Anglican church originated in England but is now a worldwide communion of 38 provinces with 80 million members. The Anglican church is both catholic and reformed.

Catholic…

It is catholic because it bases its teachings on the early creeds, or statements of faith; because it gives a central place to the sacraments of baptism and the eucharist, ordained by Christ; and because its bishops trace their authority directly from Christ’s apostles.

…and reformed

The Anglican church is reformed because it believes that all its essential teachings must be and can be established by the authority of the Bible. Though we embrace the traditions of the church, the Bible is the ultimate authority for Anglican teaching, and it has a prominent place in our worship.

Wedding

Congratulations on your engagement!

Congratulations on your engagemeznt. Christ Church Geelong would be delighted to welcome you, together with your families and friends, as you prepare for your wedding day.

Christian Marriage

In the Anglican tradition, marriage is a solemn and joyful commitment made before God. A wedding at Christ Church Geelong brings together family and friends to witness the promises a couple makes to one another and to ask God's blessing on their life together.

Wedding preparation at Christ Church Geelong

Preparing for your wedding

Couples wishing to be married at Christ Church Geelong will normally meet with one of the clergy to talk about the meaning of Christian marriage and to prepare for the service.

The clergy of the parish will guide you through the planning of the ceremony and help ensure that the service reflects the Christian understanding of marriage.

The Church

Christ Church Geelong is a historic Anglican parish church that has served the local community for many generations. Its beautiful setting provides a fitting place for a wedding service and for the gathering of family and friends.

Wedding Arrangements

Consultation with the clergy
Use of the church for the wedding service
Guidance in planning the ceremony
Music arrangements where available

Details of arrangements and any associated costs can be discussed with the parish office when making your enquiry.

Other Details

In the Anglican Church it is normally required that at least one member of the couple is baptised. The clergy will be happy to discuss any questions about eligibility or preparation for marriage.

What next?

If you would like to enquire about holding your wedding at Christ Church Geelong, please contact the parish office to arrange a conversation with one of the clergy.

Baptism

Baptism is the sacrament through which a person becomes part of the Church and begins the Christian life. Through water and the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, we are welcomed into the family of God and united with Christ.

In the Anglican Church baptisms may be for infants or adults. Infants are presented by their parents and godparents, who promise to raise them in the Christian faith. Adults make the promises themselves as they begin their life as followers of Jesus Christ.

To arrange a Baptism

Families wishing to arrange a baptism are invited to speak with one of the clergy of the parish. Parents and godparents will normally meet with a priest to talk about the meaning of baptism and the responsibilities involved in bringing up a child in the Christian faith.

Baptisms often take place during a Sunday service so that the parish community can welcome the newly baptised person into the life of the Church.

If you would like to arrange a baptism at Christ Church Geelong, please contact the parish office to discuss the available options and to make an enquiry.

Baptism of adults

Adults who wish to be baptised are warmly welcomed. Those exploring the Christian faith may meet with the clergy for conversation and preparation before baptism.

Adult baptism marks a person's commitment to follow Jesus Christ and their entry into the life of the Church. It may take place during a Sunday service or at another suitable time arranged with the clergy.

Clergy and Lay Staff