HOLY BAPTISM
If you wish to arrange a baptism, please come along to one our our scheduled services in church. Fr Terry or one of the Church Wardens will be on hand to help you.
We like to make sure that baptisms are friendly and personal; therefore we will usually see you before hand to discuss any special requirements and to share some information which will help you start your child on his or her special journey.
Baptisms normally take place on a Sunday either during our morning worship or at 12.00 noon.
The list of frequently asked questions below should answer most of your queries about Baptisms at St Mary & St Chad.
Q. Do you christen or baptise babies and young children?
A. Yes. St Mary & St Chad welcomes children for holy baptism. In most cases children brought for baptism live within the parish boundary but those from outside the parish can also be baptised here, if there is reason why this is preferable, with permission from their own parish priest.
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 would expect some appropriate preparation to be received and that you be 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 is flexible.
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.