St Peter and St Paul,Old Brampton

Holy Baptism

Baptism or Christening (which means Christian-making) is a happy event—the beginning of a life-long journey with God and with this Church. Every parent wants the very best for their child, and this must include spiritual concerns. The Christian faith offers us the opportunity to root our lives in God, discovering our gifts, and finding happiness and a sense of belonging. All of us at Old Brampton will do all we can to support you during and after the baptism.
Baptism is a joyful experience, and we hope that you’ll feel welcomed by the church community, and encouraged to return. It’s not easy bringing a young family to church, but we hope that you’ll feel that the effort is rewarded when you come after the baptism. The All-age service on the first Sunday of the month at 9.30 am has something for everyone, but every service has something to offer, and children are always welcome. A Junior Church for school age children meets at 9.30 am on the second and fourth Sunday during the services.

“Can I have my baby christened at your church? ”

Yes. If you live outside the parish boundary of Old Brampton (Click here for details), please let your local vicar know that your child will be baptised at Old Brampton. Once the baptism has been conducted at Old Brampton, we hope that you will consider St Peter and St Paul as your parish church.

Can I choose the date and time ?

The Rector of Old Brampton has several other commitments on a Sunday, so you will probably be given a list of possibilities to choose from. We will try to be as flexible as we can, but can’t promise to do the baptism on the date that suits you best. Most baptisms take place during the 9.30 am Service on the third Sunday of the month, when the congregation can welcome the child and family. Alternatively, baptisms can occasionally be at other times. To discuss the options more fully, contact the Rector (see below) before you start booking party venues.

What is Baptism ?

• An opportunity for a family to gather to celebrate and thank God for the new life.
• A time when we remember that as well as being a member of a human family your child is a part of God’s family too, the church family. In baptism your child is beginning a personal journey of faith, shared by other members of the Church.
• A ‘sacrament’, which means it is a visible sign of God's love.
• A reminder that we all need to turn away from ignorance and darkness to enlightenment and a new start with God.
• A symbol of receiving the Holy Spirit, as Jesus did when he was baptised

Should my child make the decision?

A parent has to make lots of decisions on behalf of a child. A child needs food and drink which the parents supply, and baptism signifies spiritual nourishment provided by parents. When they are older, there’s the opportunity for them to choose to take another step on the journey and make an adult affirmation of faith at a Confirmation Service.
Part of the baptism service is the promise of the Christian community around you to support you and help you to know God’s presence and love. You are not on your own. Many churches have user-friendly groups to help find out what being a Christian involves. Please ask about this.

Godparents?

Godparents need to have been baptised (but see below), so that they’re able to make the baptismal promises sincerely. You are asked to promise that you will love and encourage the child in the Christian faith by prayer, example and teaching. Parents should not feel pressured to choose the wrong people, but try to find people who can make the promises and mean them. The minimum is one godmother and one godfather. And if you can’t think of anyone suitable, you, the parents, can yourselves be the godparents.

What if I’m not baptised?

It’s never too late! Talk to the Rector. You could even be baptised first and then, at the same service, stand as Godparent for a child.

The Baptism Service

The Promises

During the baptism service the congregation is promising you and your child that it will support and pray for you and provide facilities for your child’s Christian upbringing - usually through Junior Church and other organisations.
Then parents and godparents will be asked to stand up and declare their own faith. It is important to make these promises sincerely: only you can truthfully know that. If you can’t, then maybe you’d prefer a service of Thanksgiving for the child and a naming ceremony. The choice is yours but a baptism is an important and solemn occasion.

Parents and godparents will be asked these questions

Question 1: Do you turn to Christ? You will answer: I turn to Christ. This means: I want to change direction; I accept that my life needs guidance. I acknowledge that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and I will try to follow his teaching day by day.

Question 2: Do you repent of your sins? You will answer: I repent of my sins. This means: I'm sorry about my past mistakes, and I know that I am accountable to God for my actions and thoughts. I can never be perfect, but as I acknowledge what is wrong, I am forgiven and accepted

Question 3: Do you renounce evil? You will answer: I renounce evil. This means that I know that I sometimes have hard choices to make between good and evil. I want to choose wisely, turning away from evil and from now on trying always to choose the good.

The sign of the cross

The priest will make the sign of the cross on the forehead of the child using holy oil. This reminds us how Christ died for each one of us on the cross. It’s the badge of our faith to remind us that we must not be ashamed of our faith, and fight against all that is evil. As athletes often use oil to prepare for a contest, so this oil is a symbol of preparation and strength, and a different sort of oil may be used later in the service to signify the presence of the Holy Spirit

Water

Water washes away the old life, and cleans us ready for the new. Holy water refreshes the parts other water cannot reach! As we cannot live without water, so this sign reminds us that we need the cleansing and renewing presence of God in our lives.

Naming of a child

You will be asked what name(s) you have chosen for your child. The minister takes the child and says: ‘N, I baptise you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.

The Welcome

At the end of the baptism the congregation welcomes the newly baptised into the family of God; both the local Christian community and the Church of God across the world. Applause!

The Lighted Candle

Following the baptism a lighted candle lit from the Paschal (Easter) Candle is given to one of the godparents. This candle belongs to the child and signifies Christ the light of the world. As Christians we are to shine as lights in the world to help others see more clearly. It’s good if this candle is lit on the anniversary of the baptism (or your child’s birthday) to remind you of the journey in faith that is being made.

Records

A permanent record of the baptism with family details is recorded in the official registers of the church. A copy of this is given in a baptism certificate to the parents, and a card for each of the godparents.

Cost

There is no charge, but we do ask for a donation, at least £20. There is a plate by the church door to receive your donation towards the continuing work of the church (we receive no state aid). Completed Gift Aid envelopes, if you pay tax, will enable the church to reclaim tax at no extra cost to you.

The Font

Baptism is a sign of entering the Church, and so traditionally the font that holds the water is found near the church door.

Service of Thanksgiving for a Child

If you’d like to acknowledge the precious gift of a child and thank God for the joy of parenthood, but don’t feel ready for baptism, you might like to consider a service of Thanksgiving for the Gift of a Child. In this service your child is blessed, but you don’t make the same promises as the Baptism service. You can always have a Baptism service later.

Who to contact?

Contact either the Rector of Old Brampton (contact us ),  or the Parish Baptism Coordinator, Mrs Sally Knight on 01246 568004. We will discuss possible dates , invite you to an All-age Service on the first Sunday of the month at 9.30 am to meet members of the Baptism welcome team, take your particulars, and try to answer your questions.

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