Baptism

Baptism & Confirmation 
Upcoming Dates And Application Form

  • Baptism, sometimes also called ‘Christening’, is the primary rite of Christian initiation into the Church, which St Paul describes as ‘the Body of Christ’. Christians, responding to Jesus’ command in the bible, have practised Baptism since the earliest days of the Christian Church.

    Baptism bestows and recognises the special and holy gifts of God in a person’s life, assures them of Christ’s love for them, and pours out the Holy Spirit on them that they might live the life of a Christian disciple.

    Baptism is a rebirth ‘by water and the Spirit’ in which a person puts to death all those things in their life that are opposed to Christ’s rule, and is then given a share in Christ’s resurrection life, and a place in his kingdom.

    Baptism is offered for infants and children whose parents and godparents (who must all be baptised themselves) express a commitment to raise them in the Christian faith. Baptism assures the children of the Church’s ongoing support for their growth in faith.

    Baptism is also offered to adults who ‘come to faith’ in Christ. It affirms their decision to follow Christ, and commits the Church to their ongoing nurture as a disciple.

    NB: In some circumstances, it may be more appropriate to arrange a service of thanksgiving for the birth of a child rather than undergo baptism.

  • Confirmation is originally part of the Baptism rite, but sometimes separated as an additional Christian rite that seeks to confirm those promises made at Baptism.

    This confirmation is two-fold: for adults who were baptised as infants, and so unable to speak for themselves then, the service provides an opportunity for them to take their Baptismal vows upon themselves, and confirm their allegiance to the Christian faith; and for adults who have been either recently or previously baptised, it offers a confirmation both of their allegiance to the faith, but also, through the Bishop’s prayer, a confirmation of the whole Church’s commitment to them as adult followers of Christ. There is also a special invocation (invitation) of the Holy Spirit to empower us for the life of Christian discipleship.

    Watch this short video to explain a little more about Confirmation

  • CLICK HERE for a short video explaining a little more about Confirmation

  • Here at St John’s, we usually hold a Baptism service three times a year (once per academic term). This helps the whole church family recognise Baptism as a special occasion distinct from the regular weekly services.

    And once a year, we invite the Bishop to come and confirm candidates on behalf of the wider church. This usually occurs in early November at the celebration of 'All Saints Day'.

    Dates of upcoming Baptism and Confirmation services can be found by clicking on the application form button at the top of this page. We invite anyone who worships regularly at St John’s, and who has not been baptised and / or confirmed to speak to the vicar about being baptised / confirmed.

    There is usually a period of preparation in the month leading up to the Baptism / Confirmation service. This will normally involve a home visit from the vicar, and two or three preparation classes after Sunday services, each lasting about one hour.

Some Common Questions About Baptism

  • A Godparent is a practising Christian who will undertake to pray for and care for the spiritual life of the person being baptised. They will be baptised themsleves. You can read more about the role of Godparents here.

  • You can discuss this with the clergy when you enquire about baptism, and you can read this advice from the Church of England.