Baptism is administered within the Eucharist on a Sunday this enables a large part of the congregation to witness the admission of the newly-baptised into Christ’s Church and to welcome them. It also serves to remind the rest of the Community of the profession of faith made in their own baptism. The font is the birthplace of the Church.
Baptisms are usually administered during the Eucharist at 10.00am. Arrangements for Baptisms at other times may be made with the Rector.
Each candidate for Holy Baptism is to be sponsored by one or more baptised persons. It is suitable that at least one of the sponsors should be an Anglican. The others can be of any other "mainline" denomination. The Parents, Sponsor(s) or Godparent(s) are usually joined by a sponsor from the congregation. If you have somebody in the congregation who you would like to be the Parish Sponsor, please inform the clergy, otherwise we will allocate one to you.
Sponsors of adults and older children present their candidates and thereby signify their endorsement of the candidates and their intention to support them by prayer and example in their Christian life. Sponsors of infants, commonly called Godparents, present their candidates, make promises in their own names, and also take vows on behalf of their candidates, especially to see that they are encouraged to be Confirmed. It is fitting that parents are included among the godparents of their own children.
There is no charge for Baptism but donations always help support the ministry of the church through Saint Mary’s.
Parents meet with the clergy for preparation and instruction in the meaning of Baptism, in their duties to help the new Christian grow in the knowledge and love of God, and in their responsibilities as members of God’s Church.
There will be a short rehearsal at which all those taking place should be in attendance—usually a little earlier on the day of the Baptism.
BAPTISM AND CONFIRMATION
Baptism is a complete sacramental initiation, leading to participation in the Eucharist.
Confirmation and other rites of affirmation have a continuing pastoral role in the renewal of faith among the baptised. Laying-on-of-hands in confirmation is not a completion of baptism nor is it necessary for the admission to communion.
Please complete the application form and submit it
