Baptism for the young and old
Baptism is all about being 'officially' welcomed to God's Church and accepting the path set out for us to follow by Jesus.
Although Baptism is considered by many to be for babies, there are also
a number of adults who seek to be baptised each year, so that they become
a full member of God's church.
The ceremony for children and babies, involves vows being taken by parents and Godparents on behalf of their children, that they will ensure the child is brought up to believe in God and 'to renounce the Devil' and all his works.
The Ceremony
The ceremony involves the symbolic washing away of sins by water being ran
over the forehead of the person being baptised. Originally, and in some other
churches, baptism involves most of if not all of the body being
completely immersed in water. Once the baptism is performed, the candidate
is considered to have been born again, into God's church. After the
child has been baptised by it's name.... "in the name of the
Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost", the priest then makes the sign of
the cross with oil, upon the head of the person being baptised, to
symbolise acceptance into the Christ's church.
In the case of children and babies, the parents and godparents are formally advised during the service, that it is their duty, in addition to ensuring the child is brought up in the way of Christ, that they should bring the child to be confirmed by the Bishop, once they are old enough to understand what the service is about - this is usually from and including the age of 10.
The ceremony lasts about 20 minutes and is conducted at the Baptismal Font by the priest with all present standing during the short service. No fee is charged for baptism though donations are gratefully received.
The First Steps
Anyone wishing to be baptised or to arrange for a child to be baptised,
should first decide on a date - ideally at least a month in advance - and
then contact Reverend Mitchell by telephone, to make arrangements for the service.
The church provides assistance from it's wardens and other officials to
guide and help those attending before and throughout the service.
It is usual in the case of adults seeking to be baptised, to have their Baptism ceremony immediately preceding the annual Confirmation service, conducted by the Bishop of the Parish. This ceremony is also attended by other churches who each bring their own candidates to be confirmed on the evening of the Confirmation. The Baptism of adults can of course be arranged separately, if this is preferred.
