Baptism at Saint Paul's

BAPTISM POLICY AT SAINT PAUL MONK BRETTON

This policy represents and is undergirded by the belief that baptism is the sacrament through which we become God’s adopted children and by His grace Christian disciples and thus followers of Jesus. We recognise, therefore, that we are to do all in our power to ensure that all who come to us for baptism are thoroughly prepared and understand its implications, whether they are the parents of children who are to be baptised or adults who wish to be baptised and confirmed themselves.

To book a baptism please contact Fr Darren Percival on [email protected]

Baptism Policy

• If you live in the parish, or worship at the church regularly, then it is usually possible to arrange for a baptism. Where you live outside the parish, you may be asked to get written permission from your local Vicar

• Baptisms are usually conducted, by arrangement, during either our main Sunday morning Mass, which is at 10am, or in the afternoon, where there is a pressing pastoral need for this. Baptisms also always take place outside of the Mass during Advent and Lent.

• We would like you to come to church at least three times before the Baptism Sunday and as often as you can afterwards. This will help you to become familiar with our Sunday service and it also means that we can support you. You may also be visited at home.

• As part of our preparation for the baptism, we pray regularly for those who are to be baptised.

• Church Law requires that those chosen as Godparents must themselves be baptised, and usually confirmed, though the requirement for the latter can be relaxed. Parents themselves do not need to be baptised, unless they are going to act as Godparents to their own child. 

• Adults are usually confirmed following baptism. If you are interested in being baptised and confirmed as an adult, please contact the Vicar.

What does Baptism mean?

Baptism is the sacrament by which we become members of the Christian church. When children are baptised, parents and godparents make promises on their behalf to bring them up in the Christian way of life.

In addition to the promises that are made, there are three important symbols in the Baptism Service:

• The sign of the cross, with anointing, made on the candidate’s forehead.

• The washing with water at the font.

• The giving of a lighted candle.

Practicalities

• It is usual to have three godparents, two of the same sex as the child and one of the opposite sex, but to have one godfather and one godmother is sufficient if there are problems finding three godparents. Four is the maximum number.

You will be presented with a certificate of baptism.

Please arrive at church in good time for the service.

We will reserve seats for your family and friends.

To be Baptised is to become a member of the Christian family.

Fees

There is no fee for Baptism, but we welcome donations for the upkeep of our churches. It can cost up to £1000 a week to run Saint Paul’s, and we receive no help from the central funds of the Church of England or the state. The money must be raised by those attending or supporting the churches.

We are therefore extremely grateful for any contributions received to maintain and develop the work of Saint Paul’s, to ensure as far as we can that the church is here for the Baptism of the children of future generations.

To book a baptism please contact Fr Darren Percival on [email protected]