BAPTISM AND CONFIRMATION
At Baptism we become members of that part of
God’s family which Christians call the family of the Church. Baptism has been
described as the door we open to begin a new life in Christ. It is for adults
and for children.
Parents and Godparents who present their
children for Baptism are entrusted to pass on to them their faith in Christ and
at the appropriate time, to encourage them to receive the sacraments of
Confirmation and the Eucharist.
FOR INFANTS. If you would like to explore Baptism for your child
please contact the Vicar. Baptisms usually take place within the Eucharist or
at 11.45 a.m. on Sundays. We offer pre-baptism preparation sessions and a
meeting with one of the parish priests provides the opportunity to talk through
the issues involved and look at the order of service. Follow-up visits, to
encourage and support the new Church members and their families, are offered by
our team of Baptism Visitors.
THE PROMISE GODPARENTS MAKE. At
Baptism the Church family is represented by Godparents. ‘Godparent’ is not an
honorary title, but a job description. Godparents are, with the Parents or
Guardians of our children, their guide at the beginning of the journey of
Christian life. Godparents should come to see the need for their own Baptism
commitment to deepen and for their love for God and neighbour to become ever
more generous.
RENEWING OUR PROMISE AS PARENTS AND GODPARENTS At the
Baptism of our children we, as Parents and Godparents, publicly profess our
faith, and promise to bring our children up in the practice of the faith. This
undertaking requires us to teach our children to pray and to know and love
Jesus Christ and to join in Eucharistic worship on Sundays. Families and
friends, whether Christian or not, are very welcome to attend the services. If
you are not a Christian you are invited to join in the prayers and responses
only in so far as you feel able.
BAPTISM AND CONFIRMATION If you think you may be interested in finding out more
about Baptism and Confirmation for Christian life please contact the Vicar.
There are regular Confirmation Programmes for both young people and adults,
culminating in the Sacrament of Confirmation.
