Holy Baptism

We welcome all who are brought to St George's for baptism (or christening) as infants, or who seek this sacrament for themselves, as children or adults. Information and application forms are available at church after any service, or you can download the form as a .pdf file.

Baptism is normally administered during the Sunday Parish Eucharist at 10.15am, in line with Canon Law (B21) which makes clear that it is a public service. However, you can ask for a service at another time if you have a particular reason for this.

A Service of Thanksgiving for the birth of a child (or following adoption) is available, either for those who wish the defer baptism until later years, or as a preliminary to baptism (replacing the old Churching service).

Confirmation is the next step in Christian initiation. Parents who are not themselves confirmed should consider this, and ask for more information when arrangements are made.

It is usual to have three godparents, two of the same sex as the child and one of the opposite sex, but one of each is sufficient, and you may have more if you wish! Parents may be godparents to their own children, as long as there is at least one other godparent. All godparents must be baptized, and ideally confirmed, though we recognise that this is not always possible, and are happy to discuss their involvement as friends and sponsors. Please choose godparents with care. Give the following letter to each of them, explaining what they are undertaking. (Older candidates have sponsors, who fulfil a similar role.)

Your completed application form should be returned to church; please don't make any further arrangements until the date has been confirmed. A pre-baptism visit to your home, or at the Rectory, will then be arranged, to think about the meaning of the service. We hope one or more of the godparents will also be able to attend this.

If you live outside the parish, you should normally ask for baptism in the parish where you live, so that your local church will be able to offer you on-going support. But if you feel there is a particular reason for your child to be baptized here, please explain this to us. If we agree with your reasons, we will usually ask you to approach your home parish, to seek their goodwill.

There is no fee for baptism – it is God's gift – but we hope you will make an appropriate donation to enable the work of the church to continue!

Congratulations on being asked to be a godparent! It is a real privilege to take on the responsibilities involved - not just for the material welfare of a growing child, but more important for his or her spiritual nurture. This is usually a task shared with the parents, and with the church.

To help you decide whether you can honestly take on this commitment, here are the questions that are put to you and the parents during the service:

Parents and godparents, the Church receives these children with joy. Today we are trusting God for their growth in faith. Will you pray for them, draw them by your example into the community of faith and walk with them in the way of Christ? 
  With the help of God, we will
In baptism these children begin their journey in faith. You speak for them today.
Will you care for them, and help them to take their place within the life and worship of Christ’s church?
  With the help of God, we will

The priest then asks parents and godparents, speaking for the children they present,

Do you reject the devil and all rebellion against God?   I reject them
Do you renounce the deceit and corruption of evil?   I renounce them
Do you repent of the sins that separate us from God and neighbour?   I repent of them

Do you turn to Christ as Saviour?   I turn to Christ
Do you submit to Christ as Lord?   I submit to Christ
Do you come to Christ, the Way, the Truth and the Life?   I come to Christ

The whole congregation then joins you in declaring the faith of the Church, in the words of the Apostles’ Creed:

Do you believe and trust in God the Father?
  I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
Do you believe and trust in his Son Jesus Christ?
  I believe in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord,
  who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary,
  suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried;
  he descended to the dead.
  On the third day he rose again; he ascended into heaven,
  he is seated at the right hand of the Father,
  and he will come to judge the living and the dead.
Do you believe and trust in the Holy Spirit?
  I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church,
  the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins,
  the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

Is it unfair - to you, to the child and to the church - to make such important promises if you cannot mean or fulfil them. But if you can, you will certainly find being a godparent brings many rewards. We will play our part in helping you to be a good one!

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