Congratulations on your new baby. Being a parent is a responsibility – sharing with God in the creation and care of a new life. It means loving, guiding and teaching your child – giving them the best you can given. Part of this giving is bringing them to be baptised.
In Baptism
We become members of the family of God, the Church.
In baptism we are received and welcomed as:
- Fellow members of the Body of Christ
- Children of the same heavenly Father
- Inheritors of the Kingdom of God
Sponsors and Godparents
Your baby is too young to make promises, so you invite Godparents, or Sponsors, who will continue to take a warm and personal interest in your child, and with you will promise to help and encourage by prayer, example and teaching.
Traditionally a girl will have 2 Godmothers and 1 Godfather, and a boy will have 2 Godfathers and 1 Godmother, but this is often changed. Parents can even stand as Godparents to their own child.
You will be asked to put time aside to talk with the Clergy about what is involved with Baptism itself, and the form the service will take. If there are any other questions you have, please feel free to contact the Clergy at any time.
You may also wish to attend a regular service in the Church beforehand, and the Clergy may ask you to do this.
The process
At St. Matthew’s, we usually use the service of Baptism beginning on page 73 of the prayer book.
Your child’s Godparents will be asked to present their Godchild, using the words …… “We present Name to be baptised.”
They will then be asked to answer several questions …..
- “Do you turn to Christ?” [will you place Christ as the important focus of your life?]
- “Do you repent of your sins?” [We all make mistakes – are you sorry for those things you have done wrong?]
- “Do you reject all that is false and unjust?” [How will you try to live your life?]
- “Do you renounce Satan and all evil?” [There is much in the world that is wrong and evil – do you stand against such things?]
God the Father, God the Son & God the Holy Spirit
Your baby will be baptised in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Water will be poured over your baby’s forehead three times while this is said. Water symbolises new life, cleanliness, and nourishment.
Special Oil will be used to mark the sign of the cross on your baby’s forehead. Fragrant oil has been used for many centuries to anoint people on special occasions.
A candle will be lit from the Paschal candle – the Easter candle. The flame symbolises Christ, the light of the world.
You will be given a Certificate of Baptism. This is an important document – keep it in a safe place.
Make the Baptismal day a special one
- Have a party
- Have a special cake
- Use the Baptismal candle near the cake, or on the anniversary of your child’s baptism
Remember
Your child depends on you to grow and to learn.
Children will only know about the Christian faith and heritage if you make sure they are exposed to it:
- Go to Church with them
- Read the Bible stories to them
Say Grace before meals: “Thank you Lord for this good food, and Lord, look after … [name anyone you know who needs help, or any family members who are absent.]
Pray with them before they go to bed.