Baptisms, First Communion and Confirmation

Baptism

When we come for Baptism we are saying “yes” to God’s love and desire for us to belong to the community of God’s people. Children are brought for Baptism in response to God’s loving invitation.

Baptisms are easy to arrange but should be booked with several weeks’ notice.

• During Sunday services:

• 10 am at St James’ Toowoomba (2nd & 4th of the month).

• 8.30 am at St Anne’s Highfields (1st & 3rd Sunday of the month).

• Private service

  • 12 noon on Sundays at St James Toowoomba (2nd & 4th of the month).

  • by arrangement at St Anne’s Highfields (1st & 3rd Sunday of the month).

To book a Baptism and arrange for preparation, please fill out this Baptism Form:

If you haven’t heard from us within two weeks of submitting this form, please contact our office (46391858) or our clergy. We have experienced some issues recently.

What happens next:

You will be contacted by a minister for an initial discussion, to book the baptism date and time, and to book a preparation meeting at the church with a member of Baptism ministry team.

Candidates for baptism aged 15 or above are usually confirmed at the same time, so adult baptisms are often organised around a Confirmation Service. 

THANKSGIVING SERVICE

A service of Thanksgiving for a Child is also available to celebrate the birth of a child (without a baptism).

Admission to Holy Communion
(First Communion)

Baptised Christians aged 8 or above
may be admitted to the sacrament of Holy Communion.

This is recognised through a special service for admission to Holy Communion, taking place within our regular Sunday worshipping communities at either 7.30 or 10am. 

Contact our clergy to arrange preparation.
  

Confirmation

A service in which baptised Christians aged 15 or above confirm the promises that were made for them at baptism. 

It is also a way that Christians who come from another tradition might become members of the Anglican Church.

Confirmations may only be conducted by a bishop on his annual parish visit.

If you wish to be confirmed, contact Fr Mark or Rev. Melissa to arrange preparation for confirmation.

Weddings

We believe that marriage is the symbol of God's enduring love for his people, and of Christ's love for his church. The Anglican wedding service is beautifully worded, and a wedding at St James' will be one that will shows deep respect for God and for the couple being married.

PLANNING AHEAD

Planning is always needed for weddings, and it's needed many months ahead of the ceremony.  There will be meetings with the celebrant, marriage preparation classes, and discussions about the service and how it can be adapted to your needs. 

Please contact Fr. Mark or Rev. Melissa if you want to start planning a wedding. 

Phone 07 4639 1858 (9am – 3pm Mon – Fri)

If you wish to look inside our church, please contact us.

About our church

St James' Church is a beautiful place for a wedding. The church is quietly ornate, spacious and peaceful. There is plenty of room and comfortable padded seating for guests. 

Friends with babies and young children can watch the wedding while still caring for their kids in the children's nook at the back, if they wish. There are facilities for food and drink after the service, with catering also available by negotiation.

We are close to many of Toowoomba's best parks and gardens, and our church grounds also look great in your photos. 

Our clergy will usually conduct weddings either at St James, Toowoomba or St Anne's, Highfields. 

It may also be possible to arrange for other Anglican clergy to celebrate if you wish. 

Or, with permission, wedding services may be conducted at St James' by a minister of another Christian church.

WEDDINGS BY OUR CLERGY

It may be that you wish to get married outside a church, but to have our clergy officiate.  Ask our clergy if this is possible.

Funerals

St James' Church is a beautiful place for a final farewell to a loved one. 

We appreciate that there is usually only a short period for organising a funeral, and that it is a difficult time for all concerned. Our clergy are very experienced in caring for those who are grieving, and in arranging funerals. 

Please contact our clergy if you need to make any funeral arrangements. 

Phone 07 4639 1858 (9am – 3pm Mon – Fri)

Working with others

Our clergy will work in conjunction with your chosen Funeral Directors to make the funeral arrangements. 

We will begin planning the funeral with the traditional Anglican service, but it will be important for you to discuss how that can be adapted, to include meaningful prayers, songs, readings and speeches that will help to remember your loved one in a respectful way.

A graveside service or a cremation may also be arranged.

Our clergy will usually conduct funerals either at St James, Toowoomba or St Anne's, Highfields. 

It may also be possible to arrange for other Anglican clergy to celebrate if you wish. 

Or, with permission, services may be conducted inclusively at St James', with a minister of another Christian church.

Facilities

St James' Church is quietly ornate, spacious and peaceful. There is plenty of room and comfortable padded seating. 

Friends with babies and young children can watch the service while still caring for their kids in the children's nook at the back, if they wish. 

After the service, there are facilities available outside or in the Parish Centre for serving refreshments.

Catering

We are also able to offer excellent funeral catering in the Parish Centre, by negotiation. Our clergy can provide you with the catering contact details.