Baptism

HOW CAN I OR MY CHILD BE BAPTISED AT HOLY TRINITY?

We would be delighted to explore welcoming your child into the family of God, guiding them as they learn how loved they are by Him.

We just ask that you begin a conversation with us and undergo some preparation . As baptism is about a public declaration of your faith, we’d like the opportunity to share with you and join in worship together.

Interesting in baptism for a child? Please use the form at the bottom of this page.

WHAT PREPARATION WILL THERE BE?

One of our ministers will meet with you to explain about the service, and the different parts of the ritual mean. This meeting takes about an hour and could happen in the church or at your home, wherever you feel most comfortable.

WHAT IS BAPTISM?

Baptism, or sometimes known as christening, is the way people become members of God’s family, the church and the worldwide Christian community. The word “baptism” comes from the Greek word for washing. When we are baptised, we are washed in water “in the name of the Father and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”

In other words, it is God who washes us and gives us a new start.

God wants everyone to have a loving relationship with Him and with each other. Growing into those relationships can be a lifelong journey for Christians. Baptism is a public statement by God, the candidate, their supporters and the church that the candidate has joined the worldwide Christian community on that journey.

WHAT ARE THE RULES ABOUT GODPARENTS OR SPONSORS?

Children baptised in the Church of England traditionally can have at least three godparents. Godparents are usually relatives or friends, but parents can be godparents too.

Adults being baptised have sponsors rather than godparents. Each candidate can have at least two sponsors. Their role in the service is to present the candidate for baptism.

Godparents and sponsors have an important role to play in supporting the baptised on their journey into a loving relationship with God and neighbour, which God created them for.

WHEN DO BAPTISMS TAKE PLACE?

Baptisms at Holy Trinity take place during our Sunday morning service, which starts at 10:30am. There are three reasons for this:

1. For anyone—child or adult— becoming part of God’s family is a public event.
2. So that the rest of the congregation can welcome those who are baptised, pray for them and support them.
3. So that the congregation remembers the promises God made to us, and we made to God, at our own baptisms.