Christening, also referred to as baptism, is the beginning of a journey - a journey of faith. In baptism God makes us one of his children. We become a member of the Church, the Body of Christ on earth.
Baptism is a proof that God truly loves us. He reaches out to us and helps us journey with him for the whole of our earthly life, so that we may also be with him after our death.
Baptism is not just for children, and adults can be baptised too. But adults are only baptised when they have been regularly worshipping with the Church for some months, and have undergone a period of instruction.
In
baptism, you as parents are thanking God for his gift of life. You are deciding
to start your child on the journey of faith, and asking for the Church's
support.
Baptism
is what we call a 'sacrament': a visible sign of God's love. In baptism, we are
thanking God for his gift of life and publicly acknowledging his love. We are
acknowledging that we all need to turn away from the darkness of evil and to
make a new start with God.
People often say that baptism gives them a feeling of cleansing. The word 'baptism' comes from a Greek word meaning to dip or immerse in water. During the service the priest will pour water over the person being baptized or plunge them under it. This is symbolic to show that Christ washes away a person's sins and gives them a new fresh start.
The
godparents you choose for your child must old enough to understand their duties
as godparents, and there must be at least one male and one female. It is a
requirement that godparents have themselves been baptised.
To help you make this important decision for your child you will be required to attend church for three Sundays before the date of the baptism can be confirmed.
Please contact the vicar if you would like further information.