What’s involved in the service?
Parents and God parents are asked the following questions:
Parents and godparents, the Church receives these children with joy. Today we are trusting God for their growth in faith. Will you pray for them, draw them by your example into the community of faith and walk with them in the way of Christ?:
They reply: With the help of God, we will.
In baptism these children begin their journey in faith. You speak for them today. Will you care for them, and help them to take their place within the life and worship of Christ’s Church?
They reply: With the help of God, we will.
In answering these two questions you pledge your support of the child in seeking the way of faith, and at The Decision, parents and God parents are asked:
Do you turn to Christ?
They reply: I turn to Christ.
Do you repent of your sins?
They reply: I repent of my sins.
Do you renounce wrongdoing?
They reply: I renounce wrongdoing.
These replies signify the direction in which you are facing and the road along which you wish to travel and lead those being baptised. It does not mean that you know everything about Jesus Christ, faith and life - none of us can claim that! It does not mean that you will never sin again – sadly we all do that; but it does mean that you are resolute in asking God’s help as you stand against all that is wrong in your life and in the world.
A lighted candle is given usually to the child’s father, but an older sibling or a God parent might be more appropriate depending on circumstances.
The rector will try to hold the baby after the baptism, through the signing with the cross and the giving of the candle so that he can carry the child up the aisle to be welcomed at The Peace, however, if this distresses the child, he will hand him or her back to mum!
How will the church’s support be shown?
We will invite you to our new Little Dragons group which opened on 12th September 2006 and takes place during school term time. This group is for the Under 5s and their carers.
Members of the baptism support group will keep in touch
You will be welcomed at any service in church with your child or children, especially at the All Age Informal family Worship. Details of dates will be in The Parish News.
The rector is always available to you should you want to talk with someone confidentially about any matter at all.
We’re not sure that we want to have our child baptised
But we would like a ceremony where we can say Thank You for his or her arrival and mark this important event in our family. What should we do?
Talk with the rector who can tell you about services of Thanksgiving for the birth of a child.
What’s the process from here?
Contact the churchwardens or the Rural Dean through our Links page.