Baptism

The birth of a child is a wonderful event in the life of a family.  We believe that one of the best ways to celebrate that birth is through the baptism or christening of your child.  If you live in our parish, even if you do not attend church, you have a legal right to baptism here.

If you would like to know more now please read the following guidelines.

In this parish we welcome all people to come forward for Baptism. Baptism is an important and wonderful occasion for the Church, for you as parent or guardian and your child. We want to share in your joy and ensure you feel welcomed into the church community.

As a parent you should ask yourself:

  • Are you prepared to the best of your ability to give the child a Christian upbringing within the family of Christ’s Church?
  • Will you help the child to attend church regularly and to pray, not only by your teaching but also by your example and your prayers?
  • Will you encourage the child in due time to come to Confirmation and Communion?

Baptisms take place on a Sunday either during the 10.00am Sung Mass or at 12.00 noon and the dates and times of those services can be obtained from the Parish Office.  The date of your child’s baptism is confirmed only when you receive a letter from the Parish Office advising you accordingly. 

Applications for baptism should be made by the parent or those who hold parental responsibility and with whom the child permanently lives.

The number of families with a child or children to be baptised is usually limited to three per service so that you and your child can receive the special attention you deserve.

It is not essential under Church law for parents to be baptised and confirmed unless they are to be Godparents.

Your child’s Godparents must be baptised and preferably confirmed.  There are normally three or more Godparents (two of whom should normally be the same sex as the child). 

If a Godparent is unable to attend the service, a proxy can easily be arranged.

A week or so before the baptism the priest officiating at the service will contact you to either arrange a home visit or to fix an appointment to meet in church.

If you live in our parish
If you live within the boundaries of our parish you have a legal right to baptism in the parish church after adequate preparation.

If you are not currently attending St John’s on a regular basis, we would warmly encourage you to do so and to introduce yourself to one of the clergy.  This also enables you to meet the Church family within which you will be promising to bring your child up.

If you live outside the parish
It is usual for a child to be baptised in the parish where he or she lives so that the child can be welcomed and grow in its local church.

If you live outside the parish boundary and wish to have your child baptised at St John’s, we require, in accordance with general Church of England practice, that you worship with us week by week for at least six months.  This is so that you can meet the Church family in which you are promising to bring your child up.

After about six months, you should contact the Parish Office to discuss a possible date for the baptism. 

Baptisms can only take place here at St John’s with the written agreement of the Vicar of the parish where you live.

Adults and Older Teenagers
Adults and older teenagers. wishing to be baptised should speak to a member of the clergy, as they are normally baptised as part of their preparation for confirmation. Instead of Godparents, adults and older teenagers require sponsors who have been baptised and confirmed.