Baptisms
"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age." Matthew 28: 19-20
Considering baptism at St Patrick's?
A baptism marks you, or your child, for Christ and provides the start of what can be a most a fulfilling and wonderful journey of Christian faith.
Please contact our parish office by phone on 07761-002870 or email here. You can also download the baptism application form or scroll down for more information.
A useful page to view is the Church of England Christening page which gives answers to
- What is a Christening?
- The Service Step by Step
- Choosing Godparents
- The Role of a Godparent
What is the difference between a Thanksgiving Service and a Baptism?
A Thanksgiving Service is a celebration of the birth or adoption of a child/children. It can be a private service, with just friends and family, or public, held during a Sunday service. A Thanksgiving Service can be seen as a preliminary to baptism for parents who do not wish for their child to be baptised immediately, or for parents who wish to not have their child baptised but would still like to give thanks to God.
Unlike a Thanksgiving Service, baptism is about wanting to raise your child as a Christian.
What happens at a Baptism Service?
During a baptism you, or your child, will be baptised with water which will mark the start of a wonderful journey of faith for yourself or your child.
Am I or my child eligible for baptism?
The vicar is pleased to baptise any child living in the parish whose parents wish to have the child baptised. Since Baptism is about wanting to live as a Christian or to raise your child as a Christian, it is important that you attend a family service. These are held on the first and third Sundays of each month (please click here for more information on our Sunday services). The vicar will then be able to arrange a convenient date and time in which to visit you at home in order to complete the application form and arrange a date.
What If We Live Outside the Parish?
The vicar is also pleased to baptise children from outside the parish, although consent for this must normally be arranged with the child’s local vicar.
When Do Baptisms Take Place at St Patrick's?
Baptisms usually take place at 12 noon by arrangement with the parish office.
Children over 11 years and Adult Baptism
Children who are aged 11 or older are normally treated as adults if they wish to be baptised. Like adults they normally attend a five session course and are then baptised and confirmed by the bishop. At least one opportunity for adult baptism and confirmation is usually offered each year.
What Do I do Now?
Get in touch with our parish office.