A Christening or Baptism marks the beginning of the Christian life. You don’t need to know anything about the Christian faith to be baptised (though it helps), and you are encouraged to grow as a Christian through learning to follow Jesus’ teachings. A Christening takes place at the church font which is usually placed near the door of the church building. This is to remind us that baptism is often the entry point to the Christian faith.
What happens in a Christening?
There are three elements to a Christening or Baptism. The first part includes making promises to God and being anointed with Holy Oil as a prayer of God’s blessing and promises upon you. The second part is being baptised with water by the priest ‘in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit’ as a symbolic washing away of anything you may like to turn from and a commitment to a new life. The third part is receiving a lit candle to remind you that God’s Holy Spirit will burn like a flame within your heart to guide and protect you. It is up to us to keep that flame burning brightly - your church will want to help you to do that.
A Christening or Baptism for your child
At a Christening for a child it is expected that the parents and god-parents will teach and support your child to learn about the Christian faith. They are encouraged to pray for your child and to make the baptismal promises on their behalf. These promises are said during the service:
Do you turn away from sin?
I do.
Do you reject evil?
I do.
Do you turn to Christ as Saviour?
I do.
Do you trust in him as Lord?
I do.
It is the responsibility of the whole church to help your child to grow as a Christian and they will be praying for you. Parents and god-parents are also encouraged to pray for their children. At your child’s Christening you will find the congregation will make the baptismal promises with you to help your child follow the Christian path. Church members are there for you and will want to help support you.
Adult Christening or Baptism
A Christian life begins with Baptism but you don’t have to be a child to be baptised. You can start your journey of faith at any age. Baptism is a step on the way to a life-long relationship with God.
You may like to join a study group to learn more about Christianity. You may prefer to join a Confirmation class to explore what it means to be a Christian and to follow Christ as Saviour and Lord. There are many ways of exploring Christianity. Please talk to church members or one of the clergy to find out what is happening in your church.
Contacts
Revd Alison Hardy - reverendalisonhardy@gmail.com - 07780295752
Admin: Libbi York - holsworthybenefice@icloud.com 07717750198