Baptisms

Baptism is a mutual promise and gift – Christians call it a ‘sacrament’’, a way in which we share in and participate in the life and mystery of God in Jesus Christ.

In the Roman army, a soldier took an oath to the emperor (sacramentum) and in return received his kit, his food and protection. This swearing of the sacramentum, changed the status of a man entirely. He was now utterly subject to his general's authority, and had thereby laid down any restraints of his former civilian life. He would bear no responsibility for the actions he would commit for the general and if ordered to do so, he would kill anything in sight, be it an animal, a barbarian, or even a Roman.

Baptism is similarly life-changing.

Baptism is our promise to live and die for God in Jesus – it is the way of love and by baptism we enter the family of Jesus. Baptism comes from a Greek word ‘to dip’ – and in baptism we are immersed in water in the name of God whom we know as Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The candidate for baptism is plunged three times below the water - or in the case of baptism at a font - water is poured over the head three times.

When we have children we want the best for them and share with them what is most precious and important to us. So, infant baptism is the pledge and promise that parents and godparents take on behalf of our children to live for Christ. Once young people become adults they have the opportunity to affirm that faith and life in confirmation as they choose and act for themselves.

By the outward sign of water and the promises of God in words, we share in Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection – the Easter story touches and changes our lives for ever.

At St Peter’s Church, we designate a number of Sundays each year for Holy Baptism mainly at the 10am Parish Eucharist but occasionally at 11.30am. There is no such thing as ‘private’ baptism and it is important that the Church is well represented and present at the service. As the family of Jesus, we need to take seriously the care and support of one another. Please contact the Parish Office if you would like to know more about baptism which includes a preparation evening with the parish priest lasting about 75 minutes.