Baptism (Christening) of Children and Adults or Naming and Thanksgiving of Children
Jesus said “Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs.” Matthew Chapter 19 verse 14. St Paul’s welcomes all who live in the parish or attend the church to bring their children for Baptism, (also known as Christening) or for a Thanksgiving and Naming Service. Baptism is a sacrament and a sacrament is an outward sign of something real inside. Baptism is a sign of God’s unconditional love for us.
At a baptism or christening the child is:
– signed with the cross using oil that has been blessed for that purpose by the Bishop.
– sprinkled with water three times in the name of God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit.
– given a candle, lit from the Easter candle, as a symbol of the Light of Christ which shines in our world.
You are invited to come and join us for a Sunday morning service at 10.30am, and speak to the Vicar, Siobhan, afterwards. She will then arrange a date to come out to see you and talk through the service. Part of this meeting is to go through the promises that you and the godparents will make on your own behalf, and on behalf of the child. The Vicar will then fill out a Baptism Application Form taking the details of your child and their Godparents for our register and so that a certificate can be issued for the child and the Godparents on the day.
Baptisms take place at 12:30 on a Sunday.
If you would rather wait for your children to be able to make the decision about baptism later for themselves, or if you feel you are not ready to make the promises involved in Baptism, why not have a special service of Thanksgiving and Naming? Your child will be given a Gospel, presented for Naming and Blessing, and may have supporting family and friends as Sponsors.
St Paul’s Church looks forward to welcoming you and your children.
Baptism is a sacrament that is offered to us at any stage in life. If you wish to be baptised as an adult, the Vicar will be delighted to hear from you and to help prepare you for this momentous event and decision.