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Your Child's Baptism

Introduction     Frequently asked questions

The Font

Introduction

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 within the main service at 10am usually once a month.  There will normally be some other children baptised at the same time, but we restrict the number to five whenever possible so that each child is able to have the special attention they deserve. 

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. 

In order to help you prepare, we have the following procedures.

    Your first step is to call in at the Parish Office (situated in the Parish Rooms to the North of the church) to fill in a form requesting Baptism and to book a provisional date.  The date is confirmed when you return the completed application form.  The Office is open at the following times:

          Monday to Friday:  10am –12 noon

          Wednesday:          7pm—8pm 

    At this point, we can give you more information about the service itself and about the ongoing support the church can offer in the form of Pram Services, Children’s Corner, Sunday School, St. Mary’s Pre-school and Primary School etc.  We also have groups and activities for older children and young people. 

     Most importantly, we would normally ask both parents to attend a Baptism Preparation evening, during which the service and your part in it will be fully explained.  We will also give you practical information such as where you sit, when to stand up and move to the font etc.  

These evenings are held regularly throughout the year and we would expect you to come to the meeting closest to the date of the Baptism service.  We would let you know the date in advance so that both of you can arrange to be there.  Godparents are also warmly welcomed to this session but we appreciate that they may not live locally and so it will not always be possible for them to attend. 

·    Some people find it helpful to come to a service with Baptisms in an earlier month to see what happens. 

·    When the day of the Baptism arrives, you will be greeted by one of our welcomers and shown to your specially reserved seats.  After the service, you and your guests will all be very welcome to stay for a cup of coffee and chat in the Parish Rooms. 

·    After the Baptism service, you will receive a Baptism Certificate.  We are happy to offer any further help and advice you may require in order for you to fulfil the promises that you have made on your own behalf and on behalf of your child. 

Please do not hesitate to contact us at the Parish Office ( 01799 506024)  if you have any questions or if you need any more information.

Frequently asked questions 

Can anybody be a godparent?

Yes - so long as they have been baptised and are mature enough to act as a godparent.  It is advisable (but not essential) that they are also confirmed. 

If you have someone in mind who is not baptised, please speak to us about it.

 How many godparents can we have?

There are normally three or more godparents (of whom two should be the same sex as the child).

 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.

 Does is matter if we’re not married?

No, God loves all children and we acknowledge that children may be brought up in the context of a stable relationship where the parents are not married.

However, do make sure that you make it clear on the forms which surnames are being used by the child and the parents so that the certificates are made out correctly.

 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.

 “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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