Holy Baptism at St James:
Important Information
Before you complete the ‘Application for Baptism’ form please do spend a few moments reading the following information.
Baptism is not a ‘naming ceremony’!
In recent years there has been quite a bit of misunderstanding 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 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.
What happens at a service of Holy Baptism?
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. Therefore, 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!
Why is baptism linked with going to church?
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?
When is the main Sunday service at St James’?
Sunday at 10:30 am. This is a traditional Sunday service with Holy Communion and it lasts about 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 refreshments and to meet other members of St James’.
When do baptisms take place at St James’?
At St James’ we baptise during the main service on the last Sunday of the month.
How do I arrange a baptism?
You and your family are asked to attend any Sunday morning service. Then following the service, you are welcome to make arrangements with the Vicar over coffee in the church hall.
What happens if I do not live within the Parish of St James
In order for a baptism to take place at St. James’, the candidate must 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 candidate. In recent years, society’s view of a godparent has been a bit misunderstood. It is widely believed that godparents are there in case anything happens to the parents. This is not true!
Godparents should be chosen to guide and teach the candidate about God’s love revealed in Jesus Christ
How many Godparents are we allowed?
There are normally three godparents for each candidate.
Do Godparents have to be baptised?
It must be stressed that canon law (church law) requires that all godparents must be baptised and also preferably confirmed.
What to do next….
- Complete the enclosed ‘Application for Baptism’ form.
- Attend a service at St James and bring the completed application form along with you.
- Then, after the service, please have a word with the Vicar. Give him the completed application form.
- A date for the service will then be arranged.
- Parents, and as many godparents as possible, should also attend a Baptism Preparation meeting in advance of the Baptism service.
- The Vicar will discuss both of these dates with you after the service you have attended.
The Vicar strongly recommends that you make arrangements with him before you send out the invitations or book a venue for a celebration.
Baptism Preparation meeting
Parents and godparents are asked to attend a the Baptism Preparation Meeting. The meeting is normally on the first Tuesday of the month and will last for about an hour.
The Baptism Preparation Meeting is relatively informal but necessary.
It is appreciated that not everyone can attend this meeting due to work commitments etc. However, it is preferable that both parents attend and as many godparents as possible.
In order to baptise it is necessary that families of the candidates are represented.
Thank you for your enquiry about baptism. I hope that this information has been useful.
www.stjameschurch.info
Download the Baptism Application Form in MS Word Format here.