The Sacrament of Holy Baptism
Baptisms can take place either during the Sung Eucharist on Sunday mornings at 9.30am, or in a private ceremony after the main service, beginning at 11.30am. Other private service times are possible. A private service takes about 45 minutes. The Priest likes to visit the family beforehand to discuss the ceremony.
St John’s sees parents as being jointly responsible with the Godparents for the spiritual upbringing of their children. The support of the priest and the parish is ongoing.
What is baptism?
Baptism (sometimes also called Christening) is initiation into the Christian church. It is a sacrament of the universal church. Through baptism we are re-born as children of God, and become inheritors of the promises which God has made to all who believe in Jesus Christ.
Who can be baptised?
Children of all ages can be baptised. Mature people who have not already been baptised and who wish to become Christians, can also be baptised.
Baptism of Children
Children are baptised on the understanding that they will be brought up within the life of the church, and that they will be taught by their parents and Godparents what it means to be a Christian.
Godparents
There are usually at least three Godparents, who share with the parents a commitment to the Christian upbringing of their Godchild. Godparents must themselves be baptised. It is desirable that at least one of the parents should be a communicant Anglican.
Thank-Offering
The grace of God is free. There are no fees for the Sacrament of Baptism. If family and friends wish to make an offering, it may be placed in the collection plate or handed to the priest.
Referral
Baptismal families who live outside the parish and do not regularly worship at St John’s will be commended to the priest of the parish where they live.