Arranging your child's baptism

We are delighted to know that you are thinking of having your child baptised . We hope that this page will help you as you make your plans.

Baptism is a very important step for all who are involved - for you (and the godparents you may choose) as you promise to bring up your child as a Christian, and for the Church as a new member is welcomed into God's family, a member who needs the support and encouragement of fellow Christians.

So we ask you to join with us in taking time to prepare carefully for this event. We invite you to discover more about baptism, and about the possibility of a service of thanksgiving, to get to know your local church and to meet some of the congregation here.

We look forward to welcoming you.

We invite you to take three steps with us to prepare for your child's christening, also known as "baptism"...

THE FIRST STEP... is for you, and also your partner if possible, to come to a Baptism Enquirer's meeting. These are held regularly at the Parish Centre, by St Andrew's Church in Droitwich town centre.

for meeting dates.

Please let us know when you plan to come to the meeting - book a date by contacting the Parish Secretary (See Contacts) (Tuesday to Friday 9.30am - 12.30pm (there is an answerphone at other times). The meeting lasts about one hour and a half and is not really suitable for children or babies so we ask you please to find a sitter for the occasion.

Over refreshments you will meet people from your parish church. You will be able to find out more about baptism and about the Christian faith, and there will be information on church activities for you and your children. You can also talk to other parents who are thinking about baptism.

This meeting will explain how to arrange a service of baptism whenever you are ready to do so, but please note that service dates are not booked on this evening.

After discovering more, some people decide that baptism is not right for them just now. Instead you might want to consider a Service of Thanksgiving. (See "Questions" below)You could still choose baptism for your child later on.

THE SECOND STEP... - if you decide to go ahead with either a Thanksgiving or a Baptism, is to contact the Parish Office to book a date for your service. We also ask you to attend at least one Sunday service at the church where you hope the Baptism or Thanksgiving will take place, to help you feel at home. You will meet the parish clergy and some of the congregation too.

THE THIRD STEP... takes place only after a child is baptised. You are invited to return to church to a regular Sunday Service for your child to be welcomed into the congregation and to receive his or her baptismal candle and card. There will be cards for godparents too.

As a large number of baptisms are held in our parish churches each year we cannot promise to hold a service for you on any specific date. However, we will do our very best to fit in with your family's requirements, but please be prepared to plan well ahead when making your arrangements.
 

Some Questions answered:
What is Baptism really about?
In baptism we are responding to God's love for us by committing ourselves to be followers of Jesus Christ and part of Gods family. In the service we thank God for His gift of love. Parents and godparents, together with the Church community, start a child on the journey of faith. You would be promising to go with them on that journey. This involves making serious decisions for yourself and for your child. You will need to think carefully about your own faith in God, about your Christian commitment and about how you put your beliefs into practice.
And a Service of Thanksgiving?
In this service we thank God for the gift of your child. He or she is blessed and offered the teaching of Jesus as a guide in life. Family and friends can be involved to support your child, but you do not have to make promises about a Christian upbringing or any declaration of your own beliefs. You might decide to choose this service instead of a Baptism. Your child can still be baptised in the future. If you want to know more before coming to a Baptism Enquirer's meeting please contact one of the clergy.
© 2.2008
St Peter de Witton, Droitwich Spa