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Your
Child's Baptism
We are delighted that you are considering having your child
baptised. Your child’s baptism is a very important occasion both for the Church
and for your family, and one that we, at St. Mary’s, take very seriously.
Baptisms in St. Mary’s take place either within the main
service at 10am or at a special baptism service at 12 noon.
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We hope that it will be a happy and memorable time for all
concerned and, like everything else important in life, your child’s Baptism
will require careful planning and preparation.
Your first step is to visit or telephone the Parish Office
to let us know that you are considering a baptism. We will take your contact details and arrange for a member of our
baptism team to visit you at home. They
will explain what our church offers for children and young people and also let
you know the next steps in the process of preparing for the baptism.
This will include attending a regular Sunday service and
also a preparation meeting with the priest who will be baptising your child.
Please do not hesitate to contact us at the Parish Office (01799
506024) or email: office@stmaryssaffronwalden.org if you have any questions or if
you need any more information.
Questions that are often asked
Who can be a godparent?
You should have at least three
godparents: two of the same sex as the child and one of the opposite sex.
Godparents can be family members or friends. However, it is important that you
choose people who will take an interest in your child's spiritual welfare and
who will pray for you and your child. They should be baptised themselves and
mature enough to act as a godparent.
What happens if one of the godparents can’t come to the
Baptism?
Of course, they will make every effort to come if they
possibly can but sometimes this is impossible. This doesn’t stop them from being a godparent.
We’re not married – can our child still be baptised?
We are pleased to baptise your child if you are not
married. Of course, if you would like
to discuss the possibility of getting married, the Rector would be delighted to
talk to you.
Can older children or adults be baptised?
Yes, it is never too late. Have a word with the Rector about the way in which the preparation and
service would be adapted to your particular needs. Adults are normally baptised as part of their preparation for
confirmation.
We don’t live in Saffron Walden—can we have our baby
baptised here ?
It is usual to have your baby baptised in the parish where
you live so that your child can be welcomed and grow in your local church
family. However, if there are particular reasons why you would like to have the
baptism here (e.g. family links), it may be possible to arrange with the
agreement of your own local minister.
Baptisms in the Village Churches.
If you live in Littlebury, Littlebury Green, Wendens Ambo, Little Walden,
Sewards End, Ashdon or Hadstock you may have your baby baptised in the village
church. We have the same procedures for
booking your baptism and you should call the Parish Office or talk to your
local priest in the first instance.
What does it cost?
The baptism service is free.
“Sirs,
what must I do to be saved?”
Paul and Silas replied:
“Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be
saved—you and your whole household.” Then
they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all the others in his
house ...then immediately he and all his family were baptised. Acts 16 :29-33 |
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