Frequently Asked Questions

Child Safe Policies

Does St. Andrew's Church have a Child Safe Policy?

Yes, the Anglican Parish of St. Andrew's Aberfeldie does have an up-to-date Child Safe Policy.

About this Policy:

This policy was written to demonstrate the strong commitment that the clergy, parishioners and volunteers associated with this Parish have to child safety. It provides a brief statement and overview of the strategies this Parish has in place to ensure children are protected from harm.

Policy Statement:

At the Anglican Parish of St Andrew’s Aberfeldie we embrace diversity and want all children to feel welcomed, safe and nurtured in their wellbeing. We provide a child safe environment with a zero tolerance of discrimination and abuse.

If you would like to read more about it please click here.

Vision & Mission

What is our Mission Statement?

Our Mission Statement:

  • Loving God

  • Living our Faith

  • Telling the "Good News" of faith in God's Son, Jesus.

You can download our Mission Action Plan here.

What is our Vision Statement?

We will become a growing church where all ages can grow in faith and receive spiritual support, and with a reputation for loving service to the local community.

Jesus is calling us to become a church known in the community for open doors, acts of grace, Spirit-led worship and growing leaders.

We are called to be prepared to change, to be bold in our decisions and strong in our faith in God.

Our vision is.
…… to become a visible community of Christ-like relationships, building a spiritual legacy of encouragement and hope.

You can download our Mission Action Plan here.

Privacy Policies

What is the St. Andrew's Privacy Policy?

This policy governs the collection and use of personal information submitted to St. Andrew’s Anglican church Aberfeldie through our website and documents generated for church use. In this Web page, "we", "our" and "us" means The Anglican Parish of St. Andrew, Aberfeldie.

We are bound by the provisions of the Privacy Act of Victoria 2001.

You can download a copy of our guidelines here.

Why do we collect personal information?

We only collect personal information (when submitted) in order to keep parish records current, to fulfil a request or for registration. This may include any contact details you provide when you submit a form to contact us.

Do we use cookies and log files?

In order to properly manage our website we will anonymously log information on our operational systems, and identify categories of visitors by items such as domains and browser types. These statistics are reported in the aggregate by our ISP. This is to ensure that our website represents the best web experience for visitors and is an effective information resource.

If you sign in to our website, we will use cookies to keep you signed in. These cookies are automatically deleted when you sign out or close your browser, and we do not monitor them.

What do we do with access to and how do we use your information?

Depending on the purpose of the information submitted some information may be stored in our email or contact systems. Some or all of this information may be available to the Administrator and authorised staff of The Anglican Parish of St. Andrew, Aberfeldie. Where we have obtained your consent, we may also send you communications from time to time, for example to advise you of news of activities in our parish.

Do we Disclose information to Third Parties?

We will not disclose information to other third parties except in cases where required by law or where the third party is a contractor or supplier who is engaged by us to assist with the activities of The Anglican Parish of St. Andrew, Aberfeldie. All such contractors will be bound contractually to keep all information confidential.

How long is information stored?

Information will be kept until it is outdated or no longer required.

Baptisms

What is promised or undertaken in baptism?

Three promises are made by all candidates for baptism and these also are the undertakings made by the godparents when the candidate is a child:
- a renunciation of ‘the world, the flesh and the devil’, which means a rejection of all that is opposed to the will of God.
- a belief in God, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, which means trust in God as the one who made us, in Jesus as the one who saved us, and in the Holy Spirit who makes us like Jesus.
- a firm intention to obey God and follow His leading in our lives.

You can download St. Andrew's Baptism Form Information here.

When should baptism take place?

Baptisms should, whenever possible, be at a public service on Sundays. This means that the whole congregation may witness the admission of the newly baptised into Christ's church, and welcome them. It is essential that a firm link be established between the child and his/her family and the parish in which the child is likely to be brought up. If you feel there may be a reason why an Sunday service is not appropriate, please feel free to discuss this with the Parish Priest.

What else can parents do?

Pray for the child. Baptism is not just a naming ceremony; it can be a most meaningful occasion for establishing yourselves, your home and family in a right relationship with God. You may have been out of touch with the church; or you may wish to ask about baptism or confirmation for yourself. Do not hesitate to discuss any questions you may have with you priest. Even is you are not certain that you are ready to bring your child to baptism, there is a brief service of ‘Thanksgiving for the Birth of a Child’ in A Prayer Book For Australia which you may feel is more suitable for you and your family.

When arrangements for a baptism have been made with the priest, it will be necessary for the priest to meet with the parents and godparents, preferably once before the occasion, and then sometime close to the day for a rehearsal.

Is there a fee for Baptism?

No.

Parents should not feel any obligation in this matter. If they wish to make an
offering to the church, either through the normal offering or some other way, they should feel free to do so.

If you wish to give an offering to the church, It is also possible to mark your offering for a particular intention: for example, placed in an enveloped marked ‘To be used for parish's work with children’. This is left totally to
the discretion of the family.

Who may be Godparents?

Godparents should be members of the church who have themselves been baptised and have confirmed their faith. They may be either the parents themselves, or
others close to the family who are interested in the child's spiritual welfare. Godparents should be able to answer ‘yes’ to the following questions:
- Are you yourself a follower of Jesus Christ and a member of His Church, sincerely believing the promises of God?
- Are you willing to sponsor this child, answering for him/her now, and accepting responsibility for his/her Christian upbringing?

A boy usually has two godfathers and a godmother, and a girl usually has two godmothers and a godfather.

What are the duties of Godparents?

Those who act as godparents in baptism are accepting the responsibility, with the parents, of providing encouragement, teaching and the help of a good example so that the children may be brought up to follow Christ and be faithful members of the church.

Weddings

General Matters

How long does the Wedding Ceremony take?

The complete wedding service takes approximately 30 minutes. The bride should make every effort to be on time and the bridegroom and his attendants should be at the church at least fifteen minutes before the scheduled time for the service.

How much does it cost to have a Wedding Ceremony at St. Andrew's?

The current cost is $500.00 (including GST). This is an overall charge which includes everything involved with the wedding. For GST purposes, this is the Church Fee and there is no other fee payable.

Who looks after the rings for the Ceremony?

Either one or two rings are acceptable and should be in the care of the bestman. They can be left at the Church following the rehearsal if preferred.

How many witnesses do we need for the Ceremony?

There must be two people available (of at least 18 years of age) to sign the marriage papers as having witnessed the ceremony. It is customary for the bestman and the bridesmaid to do this if they are eligible, though this is not
essential.

What are St. Andew's Policies on Flower Girls and Page Boys?

If you are considering having flower girls and/or page boys, careful consideration should be given to their age and you should discuss this with your priest.

Church Matters

What music can be used in the Wedding Ceremony?

It is not necessary to have hymns sung during the service. Many couples these days prefer taped music of significant songs, to enter and leave the church, and to be played while the documents are being signed. Please speak with the Priest about these choices as the music needs to be appropriate to a wedding taking place in a church, and also may have copyright implications. If you wish to use recorded music, it is helpful if you can have someone who can use the cd player at the church.

Can we organize our own Ushers for the Ceremony?

If you wish, suitable people can be asked to be Ushers at your wedding, and hand out the service books as well as directing wedding guests to their appropriate seats.

Who organises the seat decorations in the church?

These are provided by the church. They are plain while tulle and satin bows. They will be attached to the ends of the pews prior to the wedding.

Are there any guidelines regarding Photography and Videoing of the Ceremony?

Flash photography is not permitted during the service but may be taken while the registers are being signed and at other such times as may be indicated by the priest. Videos are allowed under certain conditions and only after discussion with the priest, as these have copyright implications.

Can we use Confetti?

We request that confetti is not used at all in the church or in the church porch and ask that you pass this request on to your guests. As a suggestion, it is a good idea not to use confetti at all, as the dye in the coloured paper often runs and spoils the bride's and bridesmaids' gowns as well as the men's suits.

Can we have flowers in the church for the ceremony?

Generally, the church is decorated with flowers for the Services on the following day. If your wedding is to occur during Lent or Advent, times when the churches do not have flowers, you need to provide your own and remove them from the church immediately after the service.

Forms Required

What forms are required when getting married at St. Andrew's?

The following forms need to be supplied and completed for a wedding at St. Andrew's:

- Notice of Intending Marriage

- Birth Certificate

- Consent Forms

- Statutory Declaration

You can download a St. Andrew's Wedding information here.

What is a Notice of Intending Mariage?

Although the date and time of the marriage may be fixed well before, the official application cannot be accepted earlier than eighteen months before the wedding (or later than one full month and one day before the wedding).
Couples will be responsible for contacting the priest say two to four months before the wedding date to arrange a convenient time when the official application can be completed.

NOTE: The marriage cannot take place unless this form is completed within the time stipulated by the Commonwealth Government.

Why do we need to provide Birth Certificates?

A Birth Certificate for each party must be produced some time before the wedding. The most convenient time is at
one of the meetings with the priest. In cases where only an ‘extract copy’ is produced, parties should make certain
that they know the full names of both parents (including correct spelling), and also the mother's maiden name.
 

Under certain circumstances, other documents may be permitted to be used. For more information please contact the Vicar.

What are Consent Forms for?

Persons under the legal marriageable age (eighteen years) must obtain the written consent from the Courts. This is the responsibility of the couple.

What documentation needs to be signed at the Rehersal?

At the rehearsals, a Statutory Declaration Form need to be signed. This is a government requirement and needs to be completed before the wedding can take place.

Why do we need to sign a Statutory Declaration Form?

Every couple getting married in Australia is required to make a declaration about their marital status, and their eligibility to be married under Australian Law.

Funerals

Bequests

How do I leave a bequest to St. Andrew's Parish?

If you have any questions about leaving a bequest to St. Andrew's, click here to download our Bequest Brochure. This brochure was prepared to help guide parishioners regarding bequests.

Please feel free to discuss the various options with the Vicar, one of the Churchwardens, or with the Treasurer. The Vicar, at least, should be consulted before Restricted Bequests are contemplated.

What is a Restricted Bequest?

A Restricted Bequest arises when money is designated to be used for some specific purpose which a donor believes to be important: i.e;
- a trust fund for the payment of assisting clergy and curates; for providing Vestments and Servers Robes
- for the purchase and maintenance of Ornaments and Artworks for the church
- for some other specified particular purpose.

What is an Unrestricted Bequest?

An Unrestricted Bequest does not specify the purpose or intention other than that the bequest be available for use by St Andrew's.