Is baptism like a naming ceremony?
No. You have already given your child a name after they were born. Baptism is about your child’s place in God’s family. The priest will talk about those options with you.
Baptism
Baptism is initiation into the church and we have regular baptism services. It is a reminder of the amazing truth that God loves us, that God adopts us as his own son or daughter, and that God desires that we live our lives under his blessing. Baptism is be celebrated with family and friends, as well as the church as a whole. At baptism, we are welcomed into God’s family. The service of baptism and the symbols contained in it are reminders of our place in God’s family. These symbols are reminders of what God is doing as the baptism is taking place.
We love baptisms because they remind us that God's love is continually being renewed in our midst. We love baptisms because we are honoured to be the community of faith into which people choose to be baptised, or into which they choose to have their child baptised. Most of all, we love baptisms because it provides us with the opportunity to welcome people into our midst… people who may be living lives of great faith, people who may struggling with questions of faith, or people who may be grappling with what they believe.
Our parish takes its obligations to young families very seriously. As well as our various ministries to children, we provide a time before the baptism in which we can get to know the families of those being baptised, and in which they can get to know us.
Next steps
If you are interested in baptism for yourself, or for your child, we would love to talk with you about it. Please contact the parish clergy so that we can arrange a time to meet with you.
When do baptisms happen?
The baptism can happen either during the Choral Eucharist at 9:00am on Sunday, or at a special baptism service later on Sunday morning. We do not charge a fee for baptisms. Families often like to make an offering in thanksgiving for the baptism, which is used to support the ministry of our church.
What are Godparents for?
The role of a Godparent is to speak on your child’s behalf at the baptism, and to support the child as they grow in God’s family. Godparents should be baptised adults. It is usual to have three godparents: two of the same gender as the child, and one of the opposite gender.
Symbols of baptism
Water
Out of which new birth happens. Just as water is essential to our physical life, so the living water of God’s love sustains our spiritual life.
Oil
The person being baptised is anointed with oil. Anointing with oil at baptism is a reminder of God choosing each of us to be his own.
The Sign of the Cross
The priest makes the sign of the cross on the forehead of the person being baptised, as a symbol of ownership. Because of baptism, we belong to Jesus.
The Baptism Candle
The person being baptised is presented with a lighted candle, the flame reminding us of the light of God’s love that dwells within the life of all who are baptised.