Holy Baptism at St James:

Important Information

In recent years there has been quite a bit of superstition that has grown up around baptism.  Many people think, quite incorrectly, that baptism is the Churches’ equivalent of a Naming Ceremony.  In the baptism service, the candidates name is used, but it’s that’s basically as far as it goes.

So, then, why does the Church continue to baptise people?

Well, nearly 2000 years ago Jesus was put to death on a cross.  He was raised three days later, by the power of God on that first Easter Sunday.  People today are baptised because they believe that Jesus did rise from death and that his spirit is alive today.

At baptism, by the power of the Holy Spirit, people are made a Christian, a follower of Jesus and a member of God’s church.  The relationship with God begins at baptism Just as water washes and cleanses us, so God washes away and forgives our sins in baptism.  So, in baptism, we thank God that He has given us new life - for all of our life! 

The Christian faith is not a faith that we practise on our own.  So meeting with other Christians regularly and worshipping together is something that the Church does week by week. We just can’t do all this at home on our own! Why not come along to Church and explore the way of Jesus?

The Service times at St James’

The Parish Eucharist: Sunday at 10:30 am

This is a traditional Sunday service with Holy Communion and it lasts for just over an hour.

Children are welcome to either stay with you in the service or they can join other children in “Kidz Club” or younger children in the “Little Fishes” club. After the service, you are very welcome to stay for tea, coffee or squash.

The Baptism Service

Baptisms at St James happen on the first Sunday of the month.         

Parish Boundaries

In order for a baptism to take place at St. James, the candidate should live within the parish.  If this is not the case, or you are not sure which parish you live in, please contact the Vicar.       

Godparents

Godparents have a very special responsibility because, they publicly promise to bring the candidate up in the Christian Faith.  Godparents are both vital to the service as well as to the Christian upbringing of the candidates. There are normally three godparents, but it is possible to have more, by prior arrangement with the Vicar. 

Photographs

The Vicar does not allow photographs to be taken during the service.  A  baptism service is an act of worship and taking     pictures can detract from the meaning.  However, after the service you are welcome to take as many snaps as you like!!

Video

If you want to video the service then please indicate on the  application. A fee of £25.00 has to be paid when you return the form.  A licence must be obtained, completed, signed and then the fee paid for each video or other recording device that is to be used in church.

What to do next...

• Download the 'Application for Baptism' form.
• Attend a service at St James and bring the completed  application along with you
• After the service you have attended, please have a word with the Vicar and give him the completed application form.  A date for the service will then be arranged. 
• Baptisms take place on the first Sunday of the month.  The Vicar will discuss with you a date for the service and also for a home visit.
• The Vicar strongly recommends that you obtain the date of the service from him before you send out the invitations or book a party.

Then what happens?

If the Vicar has not already done so, he will contact you by telephone about a week or so before the
service.  He will then arrange a mutually convenient time to visit you at home.

Thank you for your enquiry about baptism.  I hope that this information has been useful.

If the Vicar can be any more help, then please do not hesitate to make contact.

The Vicar of St James.

Download the Baptism Application Form in MS Word Format here.