Baptisms at St James

Baptisms at St. James’

The list of frequently asked questions below should answer most of your queries about Baptisms at St James’.

Q. Do you christen or baptise babies and young children?

A. Yes. St James’ welcomes children for holy baptism. In most cases children brought for baptism live within the parish boundary but people from outside the parish can also be baptised at St James.

Q. My child isn’t a baby anymore. Is it too late for baptism?

A. Older children are also welcome to be baptised. If a child is old enough to make baptism promises for themselves then we would recommend that the child is both baptised and confirmed at the same time. It is never too late to be baptised.

Q. What about adults?

A. We are delighted to baptise adults of any age. Because baptism is a very serious matter we recommend a time of preparation beforehand and that you are baptised and confirmed on the same day.

Q. How much does it cost for a Baptism?

A. Nothing! Baptism is a sign of God’s love. God’s love is free to all and so is baptism for children and adults alike.

Q. Do I need to arrange the godparents?

A. Yes. Usually this is a matter the family has strong ideas about and you may well find that you need to discuss this with the family. All we ask is that the godparents have been baptised themselves.

Q. How many godparents do we need?

A. Traditionally three. Two of which are the same sex as the child. However this can be flexible. Please ask the Vicar.

Q. Do adults need godparents too?

A. Adults and older children can ask 2 or 3 people to be “sponsors”. These are people who will present you at the font and encourage you in the years afterward.

Q. What do we need to do now?

A. Call at the Parish Office (in the Parish Room next to Church) on any Tuesday evening between 6.30 - 7.15pm to arrange a Baptism.