Baptism
This is the Sacrament by which people are made members of the Church. Whether they are young or old, all are invited to come to Jesus Christ and share in the life of his Church. By the outward sign of the pouring of water, those who are baptized become members of the Church, which is Christ’s visible Body on earth. If you would like to talk about having your child baptized, or being baptized yourself, please get in touch.
Parents are encouraged to attend Sunday services before the baptism to help them appreciate the significance of their child’s baptism and to prepare them for the promises and declarations that they will make.
Each person enquiring about baptism is given an explanatory leaflet with their application form and will meet either the Parish priest or another trained person to help them understand the baptism service and the symbolism that surrounds the sacrament of baptism.
Help and guidance will also be given about the choice of godparents. These must be chosen with care and they, like the parents, are required to make solemn and specific promises and declaration. All godparents must be over the age of 16 and baptised.
Please note that there is no fee for this service.
Please also click here to see information from the Church of England
Thanksgiving
Not everyone is ready to have their child baptised or would rather wait until the child is older. A popular alternative is to have a Service of Thanksgiving where the family meet in church to give thanks to God for the safe arrival of a new baby.
This service is a good alternative for those, who in good conscience, do not feel that they are ready to make the very serious promises and declarations that are part of the rite of Baptism. This service can also be appropriate when a child is adopted and welcomed into their new family.
During the service, the child is named, and blessed. Members of the family and/or friends can be appointed as supporters to share in the task of supporting and caring for the child.
This brief service usually takes place outside of the main Sunday morning service and can include singing a couple of hymns or songs as well as the child being presented with a copy of one of the Gospels from the New Testament of the Bible.
Each person enquiring about a Thanksgiving will receive a visit from either the Parish Priest or another trained person to help them understand and plan the service. There is no statuary fee for this service although the choices made about the form of service will mean that some costs might be incurred. These questions will be discussed as we meet and plan your service.
Please note that there is no fee for this service.