Baptism
Baptism - also known as a Christening:
At the end of Matthew’s Gospel Jesus tells the disciples to go and make disciples of all nations, ‘baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit’. But what’s so important about baptism? What does it mean?
Through the love and grace of God, and the power of his Spirit, baptism unites us with Christ such that we share his life. It is a new birth, a fresh beginning in the community of faith. However, baptism isn’t an end in itself but the beginning of a particular way of trying to live our lives, faithfully and hopeful as members of the Church. For faith isn’t merely an assent to a set of doctrines but a relationship with the God our creator. The service paints many vivid pictures of what happens on the Christian way. There is the sign of the cross, the badge of faith in the Christian journey, which reminds us of Christ’s death for us. Our ‘drowning’ in the water of baptism, where we believe we die to sin and are raised to new life, unites us to Christ’s dying and rising. Water is also a sign of new life, as we are born again by water and the Spirit. This reminds us of Jesus’ baptism. And as a sign of that new life, a lighted candle is given, a picture of the light of Christ conquering the darkness of evil. Everyone who is baptised walks in that light for the rest of their lives.
Jesus said, ‘I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.’
John 10.10
When do baptisms take place?
After an initial conversation with Canon Martin, the baptism will either take place on a Sunday at 12.30pm or on occasions during the 10.30am Sung Eucharist (Holy Communion). The decision about which service the Baptism takes place in, is to ensure that the child’s family feel at ease and so can enter fully into this significant event in the child’s life.
What are Godparents?
Godparents’ responsibilities include care for the children committed to their charge and setting an example by their own way of life. Godparents must be baptised and ideally have been confirmed too. Any potential Godparent who has not yet been baptised or confirmed and would like to explore this way of growing in faith, is invited to get in touch. Baptism and confirmation can take place at any age and is excellent preparation for becoming a Godparent.
How many Godparents do I need?
In the Church of England, a child to be baptised should have at least three Godparents, of whom at least two are the same sex as the child and of whom at least one is the opposite sex; but if this is difficult then one Godfather and one Godmother is sufficient.
How do I find out more information or arrange for a baptism?
If you would like to discover more about baptism or arrange for you or your child to be baptised, please contact us.