Baptisms at St Mary’s take place either as part of the 10.30 service on a Sunday morning or at 12 noon following the service.   Please contact Father David to arrange a suitable date.
It might be helpful to understand some of the symbols used in the baptism service. This is followed by the Baptism Service itself so you can familiarise yourself with its content.

Symbols of Baptism



The Font

The font, which contains the water for the baptism, traditionally stands near the entrance of the church.   Baptism is how people become part of the family of the Church and so it is appropriate that the font is the first thing which is seen on coming into the church as Baptism is just a beginning of a journey which will lead to a deeper faith and knowledge of God.

The Paschal Candle



The Paschal or Easter candle is the large candle which stands by the font during the baptism.   We light a new Paschal candle each Easter to symbolise Jesus Christ rising from the darkness of death.   We light the Paschal candle during the Baptism service because Baptism reminds us that there can always be a new beginning for us.   Look at the candle, it has symbols on it.   The cross to remind us of Christ’s death and resurrection.   The number of the current year tells us that God is in the “here and now” The Greek letters Alpha and Omega are the first and last of the Greek alphabet – God is the beginning and the end of life.

The Oil
Before the baptism Father David will anoint each candidate on the head with oil which has been blessed by the Bishop for this purpose.   In the ancient world oil was used instead of soap to loosen the dirt before washing.   It was a sign of welcome to anoint someone with oil when they came to your house.   Father David will make a sign of the cross on each candidate’s forehead using the oil.   This a sign that they belong to Christ.

The Water
Water is the main symbol of Baptism.   Water is vital to life and all the major religions use it in some way.   We need it to survive.   We need it to wash.   But water can also be dangerous, we can drown in it or feel out of our depth.   The prayer we use to bless the water reminds us that God is with us in both the good and the bad times.

The Shell



We use a shell to pour water at the Baptism.   Travelers to the shrine of St James at Compostela, wore a shell (St James’s sign) as a sign to show they were pilgrims.   Soon the shell became a sign of pilgrimage to any shrine.   Those who are baptised are on a pilgrimage, a special journey.   We pray at baptism that they will know God as their companion on that journey, and the one who welcomes them at their journey’s end.

The Candle
At the end of the service we light a small candle from the Paschal candle to give to each of the newly baptised.   This is a sign of Christ which burns in them.   We suggest you keep this and light on the anniversary of the baptism.   It may be a good way to begin to talk to your child about their baptism .  
The form of the baptism service is as follows: 

The Baptism of Children

1  INTRODUCTION
Priest
Our Lord Jesus Christ has told us
that to enter the kingdom of Heaven
we must be born again of water and the Spirit,
and has given us baptism as the sign and seal of this new birth.
Here we are washed by the Holy Spirit and made clean.
Here we are clothed with Christ,
dying to sin that we may live his risen life.
As children of God, we have a new dignity
and God calls us to fullness of life.
People of God, will you welcome these children
and uphold them in their new life in Christ?

All
With the help of God, we will
Priest
Parents and Godparents, the Church receives these children with joy.
Today we are trusting God for their growth in faith.
Will you pray for them,
draw them by your own example into the community of faith
and walk with them in the way of Christ?

Parents and Godparents
With the help of God we will

Priest
In baptism these children begin their journey in faith.
You speak for them today.
Will you care for them, and help them to take their place
with the life and worship of Christ's Church?

Parents and Godparents
With the help of God we will.

Priest
In baptism, God calls us out of darkness ito his marvelous light.
To follow Christ means dying to sin and rising to new life with him.
Therefore I ask:
Do you turn to Christ as Saviour?
Parents and Godparents
I turn to Christ

Priest
Do you repent of your sins?

Parents and Godparents
I repent of my sins

Priest
Do  you renounce evil?

Parents and Godparents
I renounce evil

2  SIGNING WITH THE CROSS
The Priest makes the sign of the cross on each child's forehead with oil, saying

Priest
Christ claims you for his own.
Receive the sign of his cross.
Do not be ashamed to confess the faith of Christ crucified.

All
Fight valiantly as disciples of Christ
against sin, the world and the devil,
and remain faithful to Christ to the end of your lives.

3  PRAYER OVER THE WATER
Priest
We thank you, almighty God, for the gift of water
to sustain, refresh and cleanse all life.
Over water the Holy Spirit moved in the beginning of creation.
Through water you led the children of Israel
from slavery in Egypt to freedom in the Promised Land.
In water your Son Jesus received the baptism of John
and was anointed by the Holy Spirit as the Messiah, the Christ,
to lead us from the death of sin to newness of life.
We thank  you Father, for the water of baptism.
In it we are buried with Christ in his death.
By it we share in his resurrection.
Through it we are reborn by the Holy Spirit.
Therefore, in joyful obedience to your Son,
we baptise into his fellowship those who come to him in faith.
Now sanctify this water that, by the power of your Holy Spirit,
they maybe cleansed from sin and born again.
Renewed in your image, may they walk by the light of faith
and continue for ever in the risen life of Jesus Christ our Lord;
to whom with you and the Holy Spirit
be all honour and glory, now and for ever

All
Amen

4  PROFESSION OF FAITH
Priest
Let us affirm.
together with these who are being baptised,
our common faith in Jesus Christ.
Do you believe and trust in God the Father,
source of all being and life,
the one for whom we exist?

All
I believe and trust in him

Priest
Do you believe and trust in God the Holy Spirit,
who gives life to the people of God
and makes Christ known in the world?

All
I believe and trust in him

Priest
This is the faith of the Church

All
This is our faith.
We believe and trust in one God,
Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

5  BAPTISM
The priest pours water on the children using the shell saying
Now I baptise you
in the name of the Father,
and of the Son,
and of the Holy Spirit

All
Amen

6  GIVING OF A LIGHTED CANDLE
Priest
God has delivered us from the dominion of darkness
and has given us a place with the saints in light.
You have received the light of Christ;
walk in this light all the days of your life.

All
Shine as a light in the world
to the glory of God the Father.

7  COMMISSION
All
Faithful and loving God,
bless those who care for these children
and grant them your gifts of love, wisdom and faith.
Pour upon them your healing and reconciling love,
and protect their homes from all evil.
Fill them with the light of your presence
and establish them in the joy of your kingdom,
through Jesus Christ our Lord
Amen.