BAPTISMS
Important eligibility criteria - please read first
St. John's is a family friendly church and this has lead to a large demand for Infant Baptism from families who are not resident in the Parish. In order to keep things manageable we have had to draw up the following Criteria for Baptism.
1. Child is resident in the Parish or
2. Child’s parents were married at St John’s or
3. The family previously had a child/children baptised at St John’s
This will help ensure that families who have the right to ask for Baptism at St. John's are able to have their children baptised within a reasonable time of asking although, with so many requests we cannot guarantee the date you want.
All families will be expected to attend three services at St John’s prior to the Baptism. We recommend the family services (first Sunday in the month).
Please approach the Church of England church in whose parish the child is resident if St. John's is unable to help on this occasion. |
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What is Baptism?
The Baptism service begins;
Our Lord Jesus Christ has told us that to enter the kingdom of heaven
we must be born again of water and the Spirit,
and has given us baptism as the sign and seal of this new birth.
Here we are washed by the Holy Spirit and made clean.
Here we are clothed with Christ,
dying to sin that we may live his risen life.
As children of God, we have a new dignity
and God calls us to fullness of life.
Baptism is one of the Sacraments of the Church. A sacrament is ‘an outward visible sign of an inward invisible grace’. Something done to the outside of a person affects their spirit and soul, for the better.
In Baptism, Christians believe that the water running over the head is the symbol of the person being ‘born again’ –becoming a Christian, and a member of the Church, both locally and world-wide. During the service the person is ‘washed’, blessed and marked on the forehead with the sign of the cross. They are also given a lighted candle to remind them that the light of the risen Christ has come into their life. It is a service of great significance, and deep joy, and usually marked by a family party afterwards.
The Baptism is recorded in the Church registers, along with the person’s details, but this is not a legal record, merely one to prove that the Baptism took place. The Parents, Godparents and family address are also recorded for any future reference. Back to top^
Who can be Baptised?
Please read our Eligibility criteria at the top of this page if you are considering infant baptism at St.John's.
Anyone who wishes to become a member of the Christian church. There is no age restriction, although in England, we baptise far more babies and small children than adults. Adults seeking Baptism are usually also Confirmed, to become full members of the Church, and able to receive Communion. There is a programme of meetings to prepare adults for Confirmation, which usually takes place once a year. Baptisms take place far more regularly.
You can only be Baptised once.
Which church should I go to?
The whole of England is divided into small areas called Parishes. These do not correspond to any other divisions- e.g. Boroughs. You need to establish which Parish you live in, and approach the Vicar or Rector of that Church (It is usually the nearest to where you live). At Baptism you join the worldwide and the local church, so it is important that you go to the correct Parish Church.
Can I be Baptised at another church?
That is up to the Minister at the Church you approach, but you will have to ask permission if you are going ‘out of Parish’. At St John’s we only baptise if the person either lives in the Parish or is a regular worshipper with us.
How much does it cost?
Nothing! But we will have a collection at the service.
When do Baptisms take place?
Baptisms take place on the third Sunday of the month at 12 noon by prior arrangement.
Will I have to attend classes?
No, but you are expected to come to church for several months beforehand and then someone from the congregation will contact you to arrange a visit. This is not to inspect you or test you, but merely so that you have a friend in the Congregation, to help you on the day, and introduce you to the rest of the Church.
There will also be a rehearsal, usually a few days before the service, with the Minister officiating at the Baptism, so that you know what you are promising to do for your child.
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Where can I find out more?
Either come to St John’s hall between 7 & 8pm on any Tuesday evening and speak to Mrs Susan Jones, or ring
our Vicar, Revd Ronni Lamont on 01322 521786.
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