Baptism

What is Baptism?

Baptism (Christening) is an outward and visible sign that you wish to celebrate the gift of your child and wish them to be a member of the Christian family or, for older people, the public profession of your Christian faith.

At St Cuthbert's we have an open policy on Baptism, that is to say we welcome anybody or any family who would like to be baptised here. Our Baptism service is normally held during the 9:30 service on the second Sunday each month.

Some Questions and Answers

Q. What's the difference between a baptism and a christening?
A. None, they are just different words for the same thing.

Q. Can we have a private service of baptism?
A. Baptisms usually take place in our church's main service, because they are a public declaration that your child has become part of the church family. It is important that the church congregation is there to support you and welcome your child. However, if personal circumstances make this difficult, talk to the Rector.

Q. What is the right age for baptism?
A. Baptism can happen at any age. What matters is that those concerned are committed to bring up a child as a Christian.

Teenagers and adults may also be baptized. This is often celebrated with confirmation by the Bishop. You can only be baptised once, but there are ways of renewing your Christian commitment publicly as an adult - the clergy will be pleased to advise you on this.

Q. I'm not a regular churchgoer. Can I still have my child baptized?
A. Yes. The Church believes that God's love is available to all, regardless of their background. The Rector can talk you through the options: you might prefer to have a Thanksgiving service first and then consider baptism when you have had time to talk through what is being asked of you.

You may also wish to find out more about the Christian faith and what joining the Church involves before you make a decision about baptism. Again, the clergy can give you guidance.

Q. What does it cost?

A. A Baptism service is free, though there is normally a collection taken during the service or, if it is a private service, guests may make a free-will offering when leaving after the service.

Q. What does it mean to be a God Parent?
As a godparent, you have a special role. It's about helping a child to come to know God, encouraging them in their spiritual life and supporting them in their membership of the local church. You will be expected to be attend the child's baptism, where you will make promises to help to bring them up in the Christian faith. It's a role that will develop over time, as your godchild grows up and develops their own faith.

Despite what some people think or say, the role of God Parent is purely spiritual. You have no legal responsibility for the child unless you have specifically been asked to be a guardian. But that is something completely different and nothing to do with the church or being a God Parent..

Other Services
Getting Married
Confirmation