Baptisms
Baptism (often called a Christening) is a sign and symbol of the beginning of a life-long journey of faith. Whenever it happens, whether as a baby, child or adult, baptism is at the heart of an amazing journey of faith as a follower of Christ. You are never too old to take this step and being baptized as an adult is a wonderful experience.
Baptism usually happens within a main Sunday service and is an opportunity for parents to thank God for the life of their child and to make promises on their behalf that they will bring their child up in the Christian faith. Godparents also make these promises, and the church promises to welcome the child into the church family and to pray for the family.
These promises shouldn’t be made lightly, so we ask everyone who is considering having their child baptized to meet to discuss it with the clergy person who will be conducting the service. This will allow for an opportunity to ask questions, find out more about what baptism involves and to meet members of the team.
Some parents decide not to have their child baptized and want simply to have a chance to thank God for the birth or adoption of their child and to pray for them without the commitment of the promises a baptism asks for. This is called a ‘Thanksgiving’ service and, also happens in a Sunday service. A Thanksgiving Service is not a Baptism. There are no promises to make about the Christian faith. The child will be blessed and prayed for and supporting friends will promise to support the parents in bringing up their baby.
To find out about Baptism at St Mary’s Church, please call 01604 378557 or email the vicar on vicar.salceybenefice@gmail.com
You can also read more about what baptism is about and what happens on the