- Baptism
Baptism is the visible sign which marks our becoming followers of Jesus Christ and members of his church.
Baptism (also called “christening”) links us with Jesus. He died and rose to life again, and in baptism we are drawn into that life-giving event. He was baptised in the river Jordan, and the Bible clearly shows us that his disciples baptised people when they turned to be his followers, to become Christians.
People of any age — adults or children — can be baptised. If people are baptised at a time when they can speak up and make decisions for themselves, then baptism is combined with Confirmation. Each year we run courses for people to explore the Christian faith with a view to being Confirmed. The clergy will be happy to talk to you about this.
If you live in the parish of St Mary’s, we will be glad to discuss the baptism of your child. Check the list of streets in St Mary’s parish to see.
If you don’t live in our parish, but show you wish to make St Mary’s your spiritual home and worship with us, we will be happy to discuss this with you.
If you live outside our parish, and do not wish to share in our life and worship, then we will give you the information you need about your own parish church.
Baptism means “dipping” or “immersing”, and many people are baptised by immersion. At St Mary’s children are taken to the font, in the north aisle of our church, where water is three times poured liberally over their heads “in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”
Water is a sign of life, of cleansing, of fostering growth. These are all gifts of God, who promises that through baptism we will receive his Holy Spirit - his own presence within us.
Before this is done, parents and godparents, on behalf of the child, affirm that they are followers of Jesus Christ, and the sign of the cross is traced on the child’s forehead.
After baptism the newly baptised Christian is given a candle — a symbol of the light of Christ. As followers of Jesus we are to bring his light to the world.
Baptism of children takes place during a Sunday service, because it marks entry into the church — and so it is best to have the church (that is, the people) present. Most families choose the 10:00 a.m. service, because it is most geared up to children.
If there is more than one family requesting baptism, we try to steer them to the same occasion. The actual date is fixed to fit in with what is possible for families, and what else is happening in the church’s programme.
Baptism is a joyful occasion, but also a very serious one. On behalf of the child, parents and godparents say they turn to Christ as Saviour and submit to him as Lord. Godparents must themselves have been baptised, and share the commitment of the church to encourage the child’s growth in the Christian faith and life.
Sometimes parents do not feel ready to take this step. In this case, we are more than happy publicly to celebrate the gift of the child, and to give thanks to God.
God loves us all, whether we are baptised or not.
