Children’s Baptism
If you are thinking of having your child (ren) Baptised at St Margaret’s, here’s what happens:
Baptism (sometimes called “Christening”) services usually take place once a month on the fourth Sunday in the 10:00am All Age Worship service. Initial enquiries should be through the Parish Office ( 07964219929 or e-mail: stmargaretolton@googlemail.com).
Once you have made initial contact, your details will be passed to a member of the Baptism Team who will contact you to arrange to come and see you at home. They will bring a DVD to watch, and will discuss with you what Baptism involves. This is a good opportunity to ask any questions that you may have about Baptism.
After this visit, and just before the date of your Baptism you will be expected to attend a short (about one hour) “Pre-Baptism” session in church. These group sessions are held on the second Thursday of the month and involve other parents having children Baptised at the same time. They are led by a member of our clergy. It is another opportunity to ask questions.
Then comes the important day, the Baptism itself. Details on the service can be found here: www.churchofenglandchristenings.org
The main parts of this service are:
- The Welcome
- The promises: – The parents and the godparents will make some important promises for the child in the service.
- The sign: – The Vicar makes a sign of a cross on the child’s forehead, which marks the child as belonging to God.
- The water: – Water which is blessed in the church’s font will be poured over the child’s head by the vicar. This is the child’s baptism. It’s a sign of a new beginning and becoming a part of God’s family. The vicar says:“…I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.”
- Prayers and welcome
- A candle: – A candle is given to the child. The vicar says: “…Shine as a light in the world to the glory of God.”
One of the clergy or our Baptism Team Co-Ordinator will be happy to discuss any questions that you may have about having your child Baptised. If you do not feel able or ready to make the promises required then we can also offer you a short “Thanksgiving” instead. All the dates and times mentioned can be found on the Church calendar, on our website.