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  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.

Baptism services are held on average twice a month at 11.15am following our main Sunday service.  Often you share this occasion with another family who you are likely to meet at the preparation evening. Baptisms may also be conducted as part of our regular Parish Eucharist held at 9.30am.

We also offer a service of thanksgiving for the birth of a child, if for any reason you prefer not to have your child baptised as an infant.

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