Baptisms (Christening) At St Martin's
What is Baptism?
Baptism is a worship service in which we receive people (either children or adults) into the family of
God and his
church. When we are
baptised we make a commitment to follow
Jesus Christ. We make a conscious decision to follow a life of
faith which will include:
- Growing in our ability to live in harmony and love with others just as Christ loves us.
- Forgiving when others hurt us.
- Having a responsibility to resist evil in our own lives.
- Committing ourselves to confess our faults and resolve to make amends with those we have wronged.
- Joining with other Christians regularly in worship.
If we bring children for
Baptism, we promise to teach them that they are loved by
God and are part of
God’s family. We do this by introducing them to their local
Church family, and by offering a wholesome environment at home which includes
prayer (perhaps at meals or bedtime) and
Christian service.
Who may be baptised at St Martin’s?
All who live within the
parish boundaries are invited to come for
Baptism. Others may apply for
Baptism here if they have strong family connections in the area, and with the consent of their own
parish priest.
How do we arrange a Baptism?
Simply come to
Church on a Sunday morning and arrange to meet with the
Vicar or Lay Reader to discuss a suitable
Baptism date and to fill out the application. In preparation for this, parents should have thought about who they would like as
godparents. Three is the traditional number, but there is no strict policy on this; at least one is necessary.
Godparents ideally are those who have been
baptised themselves and will be a good example to the child, and likely be in contact with them as they are growing up.
