Baptism at Holy Innocents

 

Thinking about

Your Child’s Baptism and/or Your Own Baptism

Welcome!

As members of the Christian Community we are grateful to be able to celebrate with you on the happy occasion of the baptism of your child.

 

We Believe that God is the creator of all things. Through the care and nurture of children He gives parents a share in the work and joy of creation. But we who are born of earthly parents need to be born again. In the Gospel Jesus tells us that unless a person is born again, they cannot see the kingdom of God. And so, through faith in Christ, God gives us the way to a second birth into a new life in

relationship with Him.

 

Baptism is the sign and seal of this new birth. In the Bible we read of the risen Christ commanding his followers to make disciples of all nations and to baptize people everywhere.  The disciples obeyed His command and we read of Saint Peter preaching in these words, “Repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is to you and your children and to all who are far off everyone whom the Lord calls.” (Acts 2:38-39)

 

Children who are too young to profess the Christian faith on their own, are baptized on the understanding that they will be brought up to trust and follow Christ as their Saviour and Lord, within the family of the Church. As they grow up they need encouragement, teaching and help, so that they may learn to put their faith in God, to worship and serve Him, and to take their place in the life of the Church. All this depends chiefly on the help and encouragement they receive from their parents and sponsors (Godparents). As the one bringing your child for baptism, it is important that you be able to affirm your own allegiance to Christ, to trust Him as your Saviour and obey him as your Lord, and that you choose sponsors for you child who can do the same.

 

At Holy Innocents we try to help you at each step along the way. We encourage all parents to take part in the baptismal preparation programme. The programme deals with these issues:

This Page is intended to anticipate some of the initial questions most commonly asked about baptism at Holy Innocents:

 

What if I am not a member of Holy Innocents Church?

If you are not currently a member of any church, we warmly invite you to join us!

Why not come along to one of our services this Sunday?

If you are a member of another church (of any denomination), but would like to have your child baptized at Holy Innocents, we require a letter of commendation from your Parish Priest or clergy. We ask for this because baptism is the sacrament of initiation (entry) into the Church, and it is important that your local church be involved even when the baptism is not taking place there.

 

What about private baptism?

In baptism candidates are being welcomed into the fellowship of the church. It is important that the church be there to offer them that welcome. For this reason all baptisms at Holy Innocents are public and take place when the congregation gathers for worship on Sundays.

 

How do we set a date?

We at Holy Innocents seek to be flexible when setting a date for your child’s baptism. However, there are certain seasons of the Church Year (such as The naming of Christ, the Easter Vigil, and Pentecost) which are especially appropriate. Just as there are appropriate seasons there are also seasons in the Church Year when we avoid doing baptisms unless it is absolutely necessary.

(Advent, Lent and Holy Week). We try to find a date which will allow for adequate preparation, work well for the families involved, and fit the seasons of the Church Year.

 

How should I Chose a Name?

Baptism is not the naming of the child, it is the receiving into the church of the child. We do however, suggest that you chose names for your child that are appropriate, well though-out, and meaningful to you and your family. Remember that the name you give to your child is the name that he/she will have for the rest of their lives, and that it an important part of the heritage you pass on to them.

 

Baptism Preparation

In preparation for the Baptism, you should contact the Parish Priest, and he will come to visit you as soon as possible to do the necessary interviews,  talk with you about the role of baptism in your family, the life of your child, and the part you all play in the greater Christian Community.

 

What about Adult or Adolescent Baptism?

In the case of an adult or an adolescent, the Parish Priest will prepare that individual for baptism, as they will make their profession of faith on their own behalf. They may however, wish to have sponsors who will help them in their Christian development as they progress towards the laying on of hands at Confirmation by the Bishop.

 

More questions?

These questions posed here are by no means exhaustive. Each and every family and individual has questions dealing with baptism. Feel free to contact the Parish Priest to make an appointment, or to discuss baptism, and the role it will play in your life and your family.

 

Baptism Information Form