Baptism

Baptism - sometimes called Christening - is the sign of admission into membership of God's family. It is a public declaration of faith in Jesus Christ on your behalf or on behalf of your child.

Anyone living in the Parish is entitled to be baptised in their parish church. If you live outside the Parish you are normally expected to ask the permission of your own parish priest first and demonstrate some connection with St Johns now or in the past.
 
Holy Baptism involves making solemn promises before God on behalf of yourself or your child so we ask you to attend a preparation evening before the day. At these meetings we view a short film showing an actual baptism at St John's. This helps us to reflect together on what it means to be baptised. We make practical arrangements and visit the church by way of rehearsal. These informal seesions are held once a month in the Church Hall and are led by one of the clergy assisted by members of the Baptism Team who also represent the St John's church family at the baptism itself. Light refreshments are served.

Baptism services are held each Sunday at 12 Noon as required. During busy periods you may be asked to share a service with one other family coming with a similar sized party, often one of the families you met at the preparation evening. Alternatively, you may choose to come for baptism at our regular Parish Eucharist held at 9.30am each Sunday.

Adult candidates for baptism are usually expected to be confirmed at the same time as they are baptised. See the section on Confirmation.

Please contact the clergy if you would like to know more.
 
There is no charge for Baptism.

More...