Baptism

What is Baptism?

In baptism, you as parents are:

• thanking God for his gift of life,

• making a decision to start your child on the journey of faith

• and asking for the Church’s support.

In baptism, we thank God for his gift of life and publicly acknowledge his love. In the Church of England it is common to baptise young children; this is sometimes known as christening. Baptism is a ‘sacrament’ (holy ritual to symbolise grace) in the Christian tradition that is traced back to Jesus himself being baptised in the river Jordan. For your child, baptism marks the start of a journey of faith, which involves turning away from all that is evil, turning towards Christ and becoming a member of the local and worldwide Christian family.

Booking a baptism

In normal times, if you would like to book a Baptism in St James's Church, please come along to the Sunday 10.00am Sung Eucharist in St. James’s and speak to a member of clergy. Alternatively, get in touch with the Office on office@busheyparish.org.

When can you have a baptism

We normally hold baptisms during the 10.00am service on the 3rd Sunday of every month. If for whatever reason you find some of the dates offered are difficult, please get in touch.

What is involved?

If you wish to book a baptism then you need to make sure that you are free to attend the Baptism Preparation (along with your Godparents, unless they live too far away!).

In addition, we give the newly baptised a very special “welcome” at the Family Eucharist on the first Sunday of the month after your baptism (you will receive an invitation for this). At this service we present you with the Baptism Certificate and your child is presented to the congregation who promise to pray for him/her – and of course to make a fuss of her/him.