Baptism at St Paul’s
| From the earliest days of the Christian Church, Baptism has been the way in which people become Christians and members of the Church. The Gospels tell us that Jesus himself was baptized by John the Baptist in the River Jordan and that Jesus taught his disciples to go out into the world and baptize. Jesus teaches his people that all who would enter his kingdom must be born again of water and the Spirit. Baptism is the sign and seal of this new birth. |
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Christian Initiation has three important elements – baptism itself, confirmation, and becoming part of the worshipping family of the Church, in which Christians regularly receive Holy Communion, the body and blood of Christ.
Those who are baptized as children must be nurtured in faith, sustained by prayer, and welcomed into the worshipping and serving life of the Church and later be brought to Confirmation (by the Bishop). But when individuals are able to answer for themselves their entry into the family of the Church should be through one act of initiation where Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist (Holy Communion), together express the:
- Turning away from darkness and sin
- The turning to Christ
- The washing or immersion in the waters of baptism
- The laying on of hands by the Bishop
- The participation in the Eucharistic family of the Church
Baptism should normally take place in church during the Mass. Water is poured over the head of the candidate for baptism three times in the Name of God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The act of baptism signifies our participation in the death of Jesus and in his Resurrection. As he died and was buried, we symbolically go down into the water of baptism with him. And as he rose from the dead, we symbolically come away from the water in his risen power, made new. For this reason baptism is often known as the Easter Sacrament and has special meaning when it occurs at Easter.
When children are baptized, their parents and carefully selected godparents undertake certain responsibilities. For this reason parents and godparents are usually helped and assisted beforehand in understanding their responsibilities. The local Church also has an important role in helping them to nurture their child in the new life which Baptism brings.
The Church provides for children to be baptized in the hope and trust that parents and the local church together will surround them with a living faith which will sustain them throughout their lives. The Church also provides for those who come to the Christian life anew, supporting them, informing, teaching and encouraging them as they receive the grace of the Holy Spirit.
At every stage of Christian Initiation it is important for all concerned that proper preparation is made. Parents and Godparents of young children are encouraged to understand fully their responsibilities and duties in reading the Bible, in praying, and in worshipping regularly as an example to their child. Older children and adults who come to be baptized are expected to participate in a course of instruction and preparation within the Church. By their own example members of the local church are responsible to encourage and help all who come to Christ. They may be present at all stage of this process, welcoming and embracing the newly baptized and confirmed in the fellowship of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Please speak to Fr Mark or Fr James if you wish to arrange for the baptism of your child
Download Baptism application form here
Baptism - Frequently Asked Questions
Is Baptism the same as Christening?
Yes. The word ‘Christen’ means to admit some one as a Christian in baptism. Traditionally people tend to associate Christening with the baptism of infants.
We don’t live in the parish where we would like our child baptized.
Is it possible for our child to be baptized in a church of our asking?
Your local church is ideally situated for the baptism of your children. But there may be strong family associations with another church in another parish. You should seek the permission of your local priest before approaching another parish.
Do we have to attend church?
Many of the promises and undertakings made by parents and Godparents at Baptism imply that you take seriously the promises you are making. It is important, therefore, to feel part of the local Christian community into which your child is being baptized. Your priest may require some indication of that commitment and you should speak to him. Most parishes warmly welcome those who come with children to be baptized and are pledged to providing support in nurturing children in the Christian Faith
Is there any charge for Baptism?
There are no fees for Baptism. However, families often want to make a gift as a token of their thanksgiving and appreciation.
Who should we choose as Godparents for our child?
Most people have very special family or friends who they feel will serve well as Godparents. The Church requires that Godparents should be baptized Christians, and where possible, confirmed Church members. Once again, the promises imply that parents and Godparents are themselves baptized. Sometimes parents have not already been baptized. This may well prove a time for great thought and consideration in the life of a family. Please speak to the local clergy or members of the congregation who will want to support and encourage you. Adults seeking baptism would normally be prepared for confirmation at the same time.
There isn’t anyone we can think of who could act as Godparents? Can you help?
The local congregation will be happy to suggest Godparents from the Christian Community who will endeavour to stand by your child in their Christian life.
When should the Baptism take place?
It is important that Baptism takes place after preparation and good planning. Baptism should be within the context of public worship so as to express that nature of belonging within the Christian Family. This may be at the Parish Eucharist or at a monthly public service of Baptism to which members of the community are invited.
My parents didn’t have me baptized as a child. But now I would like to be baptized, even though I don’t attend Church. What should I do?
Please speak with your Parish priest who will advise you. He will be understanding and will do his best to help you.
We want to express our thanksgiving to God in the birth of our child, but we feel that he/she should decide for themselves at a later stage whether or not they should be baptized. Can the Church help us?
The Church is happy to welcome you and your child/children at a service of thanksgiving for their life. This, too, can take place in the context of public parish worship. It can be a celebration of their life and of your family love. However, it must be made clear that it does not convey the Christian membership and life long commitment which takes place in the waters of Baptism.
At what age should my child be confirmed?
The lower age for confirmation is decided upon by the Bishop of the Diocese. However, more and more tend to come to Confirmation at a later, rather than earlier stage. An increasing number of parishes provide for the admission of children to Holy Communion before Confirmation, after proper preparation, You will need to enquire with your priest. Confirmation at a later stage often expresses a greater commitment on the part of the individual to Christ.
I would like to give a Christening gift. Is there anything appropriate I should consider?
Many Churches have good bookstalls and gift-stalls where you might like to choose a book, or a Bible. There are compilations of prayers for children, stories from the Bible, crosses, crucifixes, and attractive posters, mobiles, amongst many other items. Please ensure that such a gift is followed up with encouragement in the new Christian life of the child. If you want to know where to look for gifts and material please speak with the local clergy.
The birth of our child has transformed our lives. We feel we would like to pursue a closer life to Christ. Can we make a greater commitment at this time?
The Baptism of your child provides a wonderful opportunity for you to make a commitment and promise both for him/her and for yourselves. Please speak with your Parish priest who will be pleased to help and assist you.
