Holy Baptism
WHAT IS BAPTISM?
What does God do?
Baptism is a gift of God. When Jesus was baptised by John in the river Jordan, the gospels tell us that
“he saw the heavens open, and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. And a voice came from heaven:
“You are my beloved Son: with you I am well pleased”.
When someone is baptised now, the same thing happens. Heaven is opened, and God says to them as to Jesus:
“You are my beloved son, my beloved daughter. I am delighted with you.” And God pours down the gift of the Holy Spirit.
What do we do?
Before someone is baptised, they (or, in the case of a young child, the parents and godparents) are asked to do two things.
First, to turn: to turn away from sin (that is, whatever stops us from being the proper human beings God wants us to be), and towards Christ, who gives us the power to live as God’s sons and daughters. So three questions are asked:
Do you turn to Christ? (answer) I turn to Christ.
Do you repent of your sins? I repent of my sins.
Do you renounce evil? I renounce evil.
And second, to profess the Christian faith, which is not just about believing something in one’s head, but of living it out in one’s life:
Do you believe and trust in God the Father,
source of all being and life, the one for whom we exist?
I believe and trust in him.
Do you believe and trust in God the Son,
who took our human nature, died for us and rose again?
I believe and trust in him.
Do you believe and trust in God the Holy Spirit,
who gives life to the people of God?
I believe and trust in him.
Once the candidate has turned towards God, and is open to God in faith and trust, they are ready for Baptism.
WHAT HAPPENS AT A CHILD’S BAPTISM?
Scripture Readings and Address
Promises. The parents and godparents promise to bring the child up in the Christian faith, and encourage him or her to take their place in the life of the church.
The Decision: Parents and Godparents, with the child, declare that they are turning from sin to Christ (see opposite page), and the child is anointed with the sign of the Cross.
The Profession of Faith: Parents and Godparents, with the child, commit themselves to faith in God who is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. (See opposite page)
Blessing of the Water. Water is a sign of cleansing, refreshment, liberation, new life, and the gracious love of God.
The Baptism: Water is poured over the child “in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit”.
The Anointing with Chrism: This special oil, blessed by the Bishop before Easter, is a sign of the Holy Spirit, who will fill the life of this child as she filled the life of Christ.
The Sprinkling: everyone is sprinkled with the water of baptism as a reminder that all share the gift of baptism, and are one in God’s people.
The Candle: The child is given a candle, lit from the large Easter Candle which was first lit in the darkness of the night before Easter. The candle is a sign of the Easter joy which will fill the child’s life, and of which he or she is now to be the bearer in the life that lies ahead.
The Welcome: The child is welcomed into the Church, the company of God’s people, as a new Christian life begins.
How do we arrange a baptism? Please come to the “surgery” which is held in church every Saturday at 6 p.m.
When do baptisms happen? Baptisms are normally held on the first Sunday of the month, alternating between the 10 a.m. Parish Mass and afterwards, at 11.45 a.m.
How many people are baptised at the same time? We try not to baptise more than three people on any one occasion.
Do we have to live in the parish? No, as long as you have, or intend to have, a meaningful link with this church.
Do we have to attend church before the baptism? Baptism is the sign of God’s unconditional love, so we do not set conditions either. But we do encourage you to come to church beforehand, so that you can feel more a part of things, and people in the congregation can get to know the child.
What sort of preparation will we be given? The priest who is doing the baptism will come and visit you beforehand, and talk with you about the baptism service and what it means. You are also encouraged to attend a ZETA course, which is an exploration of the Christian faith over three evening sessions.
How many godparents should we have? There is no rule about this, except that there should be at least one godparent, and that all godparents should be baptised and, if possible, practising, Christians. (The tradition is to have two godparents of the same sex as the child, and one of the opposite sex.)
Is there an age limit for baptism? No. It is quite common for older children, and adults, to be baptised.
Is there any difference between Baptism and Christening? No.
What does it cost? Nothing.
