At St Michaels we are fortunate to be able to celebrate each year around 30 Baptisms (also known as Christenings). We follow Church of England Practice which states that anyone who lives in the Parish or who is a regular worshipper at St Michael’s is welcome to be baptised or for their children to be baptised. Baptisms usually take place on a Saturday at 12 noon. If you do wish to enquire about Baptism please email the parish office.
What is Baptism all about?
Baptism is an important step on a child’s journey of faith. In baptism your child is welcomed into God’s family and into the life of the Church. Children are baptised on the understanding that their parents and Godparents will help them to grow in faith and encourage them to explore that faith for themselves as they grow older. St Michael’s Church promises to do all that it can to help you do so. You will have the opportunity to find out more about the meaning of baptism when Jonathan, our Rector, visits you at home by appointment a week or so before the baptism.
Preparing for your child’s Baptism
The first thing you need to do in preparation for your child’s baptism is to fill in the form ‘Application for Baptism’ which is in the Baptism Information Pack that will be given to you by your Baptism Visitor. Please return it to the Parish Office at St Michael’s or hand it to your Baptism Visitor. This form asks you to name the Godparents you have chosen for your child. Do think carefully about this decision, and make sure that you choose people who will love and support your child during the years to come and will also take seriously their responsibility to pray for and with them, to set them an example, and to help them learn about the Christian faith.
Each child brought for baptism is only allowed a maximum of four Godparents, preferably two men and two women. Godparents must be aged 16 and above.
Each of the Godparents must be baptised and show evidence of their baptism at least two months before the baptism of their Godchild. If they are not baptised or are unable to show evidence of their baptism then they are unable to be Godparents. If they are not baptised but wish to be Godparents then Jonathan is very happy to baptise them in a private ceremony at least a week before in church.
What does it cost?
There is no fee for Baptism but during the service a collection will be taken. The daily running costs of St Michaels Church are high (approx. £300 a day) and it is hoped that you will seriously consider making a financial contribution to our costs.
Video Recording and Photographs
No photographs or video recording at all are permitted during the service. There will be an opportunity for photos after the service has ended.
Thanksgiving Ceremony
For those who feel that Baptism or Christening is not something they want for their baby but would like instead to have a ceremony to welcome and name their child, St Michael’s is able to offer a Thanksgiving ceremony. Our Rector Jonathan will be happy to meet with you and talk about the sort of service you would like for your baby.
To arrange a baptism please ring our Parish Office on 01273 597699 and someone will get back to you. To talk to Jonathan about a thanksgiving/naming ceremony, please ring the Rectory on 01273 595615.
Church Magazine