BAPTISMS
So you want to be baptised or have your child baptised at St. Mary's? Here's what to do!
Contact the Parish Office
Our Parish Administrator, Dorothy, will take your details and answer your questions.
t: 01494 729380
e: stmarys.amersham@btconnect.com
These frequently asked questions are aimed at parents wanting to get their child baptised. If you would like to be baptised yourself, you'll have sponsors rather than godparents, and you'll be making the promises to follow Jesus for yourself. All the rest applies though!
Q. Can I have my child baptised, at St.
Mary's?
A. Yes, as long as you either live within the Parish, or have
sought permission from the vicar of the Parish in which you
live.
Q. Is there a difference between a 'baptism' and a
'Christening'?
A. No. These are just two terms used for the same event.
Q. Do I have to be married to have my child
baptised?
A. No.
Q. Do I have to be a Christian to have my child
baptised?
A. No. However, the service is a Christian service. Baptism is
about welcoming people into the Church as new Christians. A key
part of the service are the promises to reject evil and follow
Christ made by the godparents on behalf of the child being
baptised. You will also be promising for yourselves that you'll
bring the child up as a follower of Jesus. Make sure you and the
godparents know what you're promising!
Q. Do the godparents have to be Christian?
A. Yes. All should be baptised, and we'd like at least one of them
to be confirmed. They should also all be adults.
Q. What if we have good friends we'd like to be godparents
who aren't Christians?
A. In that case they can be honorary godparents, but you'll still
need the correct number of Christian godparents.
Q. How many godparents do we need?
A. Ideally three, although you can have more. Two should be the
same sex as the child being baptised and at least one should be of
the opposite sex.
Q. Does my child have to be a particular
age?
A. No, although if the child is old enough to understand the
promises, they may want to make them for themselves. Speak to the
Rector about how baptisms for older children might work.
Q. Can I choose who takes the service?
A. There is some flexibility with this, and you can request a
particular member of the clergy team. Do mention it early on to
Dorothy if this is something you feel strongly about. Please be
aware that it will depend on availability!
Q. Can we have a private service?
A. No. At St. Mary's, baptisms are always part of the main 10:15am
Sunday service. This means the service will also include hymns,
readings, a sermon, and Holy Communion.
Q. How much does it cost?
A. It's free! If you'd like a certificate there will be a small
charge for that though.
Q. What happens in the service?
A. In the baptism part of the service, water will be blessed and
poured on the child's head - this is the baptism itself (the word
'baptism' means 'to be immersed in water'). They will be signed
with the cross with a specially blessed oil. A candle will be given
as a sign of Jesus the light of the world. Godparents and parents
will make promises on behalf of the child and prayers will be
offered for the child and the family.
Q. What exactly is Baptism?
A. Baptism marks the beginning of a journey with God which
continues for the rest of our lives. This first step is a response
to God's love. It is also a celebration, a time to come together
with family and friends; remembering that your child is loved by
God, is part of a wider community and has a place with God's
people.
Copyright St Mary's Church Amersham 2011