We are delighted that you are considering baptism for your child or for yourself. The Church understands baptism as membership of the Christian community. The best way to decide if you want your child to be baptised at St. Michael’s is to come along to a Parish Eucharist (Sunday 10am) and chat to one of our trained staff. The following Questions & Answers may help, but they will be happy to answer any other questions you may have.
What is baptism?
Baptism is a point of entry to the Christian faith – which is why the font is at the church entrance. It is a ceremony in which promises are publicly made to God, and which marks the start of a journey of faith. It is described as a sacrament – as an outward sign of God’s grace.
Can anyone be baptised at St Michael’s?
Yes, providing at least one partner either
- lives in the parish, or
- is a regular worshipping member of the congregation.
What’s the right age to be baptised?
We can be baptised at any age.
What’s the difference between baptism and christening?
None. They are two words for the same thing.
How can babies make commitments and promises?
You will be asked to declare that you will bring the child up as a Christian. You will be asked to say, on your child’s behalf, that you have decided to turn away from everything which is sinful, and to turn instead to Jesus Christ.
When do baptisms take place at St. Michael’s?
Baptisms take place on several Sundays a year as part of our main Sunday service, which begins at 10.00 am and lasts just over an hour. In order for you to feel at home in the congregation, we ask that you come to the main Sunday service for at least four Sundays before the baptism.
What about Godparents?
Children traditionally have at least 3 godparents, at least 2 of whom should be the same sex as the child. However, the rules do say that ‘when three cannot conveniently be had’, one godfather and one godmother will do. Godparents will usually be family members or very good friends of the family, but parents can be godparents too. The important thing is that they will take an active interest in the child’s welfare and upbringing in the years to come. They promise to help bring up the child in the Christian faith by prayer, example and teaching. Because of this, the rules require them to be baptised themselves, and preferably confirmed as well.
Shouldn’t we wait, and let children make their own decisions?
Some do wait. However, baptism is not a matter of imposing our own view, but of ensuring children have a good environment for making their own decision at a later time. From birth, we make choices for our children – we give them food and clothing and a good home. In the same way, we want to provide a healthy emotional and spiritual environment. Baptism is one sign of our desire to do this. For people who want a Christian ceremony to celebrate their child’s birth or adoption but don’t feel baptism is the right step at this point in their life, the church offers a service of thanksgiving. The Vicar would be happy to discuss this with you.
What preparation will there be?
To prepare for any baptism, the Vicar will need to meet you to discuss what will happen in the service and what it means. This meeting usually takes no more than an hour. It can happen in your home, but we recommend it takes place in the church, as this makes preparation easier for everybody.
For the christening of a baby or young child this meeting is the only preparation you will need. For adults, and some older children, who are candidates for baptism, it is also helpful to explore whether it would be right for them to be confirmed as well as being baptised.
What happens in the baptism service?
Baptisms take place in the course of the Sunday Parish Eucharist (Holy Communion). Parents, Godparents and those to be baptised come to the front of the church for declarations and promises. The priest makes the sign of the cross in oil on the forehead of those to be baptised. Since ancient times, oil has been used to signal that the anointed person has been given a special task. In the context of baptism, this ‘task’ is following in the Way of Jesus Christ.
Parents, Godparents and those to be baptised gather around the font, which is at the church entrance. The priest blesses the water – asking God to make the water holy for the baptism. The priest performs the baptism, by pouring water on the head three times – in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. The baptised are anointed again – this time by parents and Godparents – while the rest of the congregation prays that God will ‘daily renew’ those baptised by the ‘anointing’ Spirit. Then the baptised are welcomed as members of Christ’s worldwide Church.
The Eucharist continues with the Peace, when we greet one another; and onto Communion, when all are invited to come to the communion rail to receive either the bread and wine or a blessing.
At the end of the Eucharist, the baptised are given a candle to show that they have decided to follow in the Way of Jesus Christ, the light of the world; and the congregation invites them to ‘shine as a light in the world, to the glory of God the Father.’
Do we receive anything else?
Yes, there is a baptismal certificate. Godparents will each receive a card to remind them of the promises they have made for the child.
You will have other reminders too – such as photographs of the day. We are very happy for you to take photos after the service.
How much does baptism cost?
Nothing. But the act of committing our life to God changes us. The good news is that, as members of the church, we can support one another as we grow in faith and love.
What happens after the baptism?
We hope that you will continue to come to church. Baptism is only the beginning of a lifetime’s journey to God, our Maker, Redeemer and Sustainer. As you can see from the rest of our website, there is a range of activities for children and adults. In due course, children may wish to make their own formal declaration of faith, by being confirmed.
