St Mark & St Stephen
Baptism
Sharing life's precious moments
Baptism
Baptism is a joyful and important moment in the life of the Church. It is the first step in a journey of faith, a rite of initiation that welcomes a person into the family of Christ and into the community of the Church worldwide.
What is Baptism?
In baptism, we thank God for his gift of life and publicly acknowledge his love. It marks the beginning of a person’s Christian journey. Through baptism, we are joined with Christ and become part of his Church. In the Church of England, baptism is seen as a sacrament – an outward sign of God’s grace and promise.
Why are babies usually baptised?
Many people are baptised as babies or young children. This reflects the belief that God’s love is for everyone, regardless of age or understanding. Parents and godparents make promises on the child’s behalf, to help them grow up in faith and learn what it means to follow Jesus. Later, when they are older, they may wish to make these promises for themselves in a service of Confirmation.
However, baptism is open to people of any age, and we are always glad to talk with older children, teenagers, or adults who wish to be baptised.
What happens at the service?
Baptisms take place within the main Sunday service (unless there is an important pastoral reason), so that the whole church family can welcome the newly baptised person and pray for them. The service includes readings, prayers, and promises made by parents and godparents. Water is poured over the candidate’s head from the font as the priest baptises them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. In our church, we baptise using water from the font rather than full immersion.
The newly baptised is then anointed with holy oil as a sign of being marked by Christ, and a candle is given as a symbol of the light of Christ now shining in their life.
What is the role of Godparents?
Godparents are chosen to support the child as they grow in faith. They make promises to pray for the child, to help them understand the Christian faith, and to encourage them to be part of the Church. At least two of your Godparents must themselves be baptised, and ideally confirmed, so they can fully share in this responsibility.
The meaning of the vows
During the service, parents and Godparents declare their own faith in God and promise to help the child to follow Jesus. The congregation also promises to support and pray for the newly baptised. These vows reflect the belief that faith is nurtured within the whole community of the Church, not just by individual families.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to be a regular churchgoer to have my child baptised?
No. Baptism is a sign of God’s welcome and love. We hope that it will be the start of a lifelong relationship with the Church, and we will do all we can to support you and your family as you explore faith together.
What is the difference between baptism and christening?
There is no difference. Both words refer to the same service. ‘Baptism’ is the formal term used in the Bible and in the liturgy, while ‘christening’ is a traditional English word for baptising babies and young children.
Is there a fee for baptism?
No. Baptism is free, though some families choose to make a donation to the church as a thanksgiving.
If you are thinking about baptism for yourself or your child, we would love to talk with you about it. Please get in touch with us to arrange a meeting with a priest, who can explain everything and help you prepare for this special and significant day.