Information about Baptisms

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All smiles after being Baptised at St Barnabas Penny Lane Mossley Hill

Baptism at St Barnabas

All you need to know

What is baptism?

Baptism marks the beginning of our Christian journey with God. The use of water represents the gift of life, with the sprinkling symbolising the immersion from which one rises to new life in Christ. The ceremony is sometimes called Christening, which strictly speaking refers to the point where the sign of the Cross (the Christian's badge) is made on the forehead of the candidate.

What happens at baptism?

There are two aspects to baptism:

The outward sign

The inward gift

God’s gift is his Holy Spirit. This is too wonderful for us to explain in any one way, so we use many different pictures to help us see what God is doing for us in baptism: he forgives our sin, we are born again, he makes us his children, we inherit his kingdom.

Why bother with baptism?

We baptise people because it is the way God has chosen for men, women and children to join the Christian family and begin the Christian life. Jesus commanded it, Saint Peter and the apostles obeyed, and the Church has continued to do so ever since.

Whom do I contact to arrange the baptism?

The clergy, the Team Rector, Rev. Godfrey Butland  or Team Vicar Rev. Alan Kennedy, are responsible for organising the service. In the first instance please contact our Parish Office either by email or phone  (0151 724 6391) and speak to Mrs Pat Mew, our Administrator.

Who can be baptised at St Barnabas?

Anyone can be baptised who is living in the parish of St Barnabas or who has strong links with the church, for example a regular attender of services at St Barnabas. If you're not sure if you live in the parish it is best to email or phone the vicar. 

What is the cost of the baptism ceremony?

The service of baptism is free, but if you would like to make a donation to the church it would be kindly received.

When can the baptism take place?

Normally it is performed during the 11am Sunday service. This is to emphasise the fact that being baptised marks an entry into the Christian community, and so we need members of the church family present to welcome the newly baptised.  It is also an opportunity for those already baptised to reaffirm their faith. 

What about the godparents?

The godparents must be baptised, and preferably confirmed, before they can carry out their responsibilities. They are to be Christian 'role models' for the child. For each of those being baptised there should be no fewer than three godparents. Please make sure you have at least one godparent who is the same sex as the person being baptised.

Is baptism only for babies?

Traditionally, the Church of England has usually baptised babies. Increasingly these days adults are asking for baptism having not been baptised in infancy.  In many ways, baptism as a sign of conscious faith in Christ conforms more naturally to the Biblical pattern, and mirrors the example of Jesus himself.

Baptism in progress at St Barnabas Penny Lane

More information about baptism is available on the internet, published by the Church of England.

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Developed from material used in the Parish of Christ Church,
Eastbourne; with permission.  http://www.xpeastbourne.org/

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