The Service
What happens in the Service
The Baptism will take place during our regular Sunday Mass at 10:00am and will last about 75 minutes. We include Baptism in the service of Holy Communion because you are joining a new family across the world, represented by the congregation – and also as it is the beginning of being a Christian, Holy Communion feeds us and enables us to do that.
There may be good exceptional circumstances for organising a baptism elsewhere or at a different time – please feel free to discuss this with the Father David (email or on 07768-687605)
There will be members of the regular congregation to help the priest and to help you know where to sit and when you need to move. Some parts of the service are for the whole congregation to join in, some will be just for you and the godparents. For the baptism itself, parents and godparents will be asked by the priest to gather first at the front of church and then around the font at the back. The priest will ask the parents and godparents to make declarations on behalf of the child. (see section below on ‘Making Decisions and Promises’).
It is an informal and friendly service and we hope you will feel at home.
A copy of our Baptism Service can be downloaded for you to acquaint yourself with the service – and to allow you to discuss with Fr David any queries that you may have – click here for the Service
Making Decisions and Promises
When you bring your child for baptism, you will be asked to declare publicly on behalf of your child that you believe in God and that you will bring your child up to follow Jesus.
You will be asked to answer, on your child’s behalf, that you have decided to turn away from everything which is evil or sinful and to turn instead towards Christ. The declarations made by you and the child’s godparents will be made in front of the congregation.
As part of the preparation, we will have a shortish meeting one evening with you and the Godparents. This will enable us to speak about the baptism, what to expect and some key things about being a Godparent.
We also expect Godparents to be present at the Baptism. If they are unavailable or otherwise engaged then they cannot be Godparents.
The Church of England Christening’s Page – is a very good site to help you explore further what baptism is all about.
The Declarations
During the service, you will be asked to make the following declarations:
Priest: Do you reject the devil and all rebellion against God?
Parents and godparents I reject them
Priest: Do you renounce the deceit and corruption of evil?
Parents and godparents: I renounce them.
Priest: Do you repent of the sins that separate us from God and neighbour?
Parents and godparents: I repent of them.
Priest: Do you turn to Christ as Saviour?
Parents and godparents: I turn to Christ.
Priest: Do you submit to Christ as Lord?
Parents and godparents: I submit to Christ.
Priest: Do you come to Christ the way, the truth and the life?
Parents and godparents: I come to Christ.
Can I have a party at St.Margaret’s?
Yes the Upper Hall is available for hire and is well appointed for such events.