Baptism (or Christening) is the way in which individuals become members of the Christian Church. Baptism is a vitally important step for anyone to take, whether for a baby whose parents (together with the godparents) are making the decision on their behalf, or for a young person or an adult who has been attending Church for some time and wants to make the formal step towards membership. Because it is so important, it is not something that can be rushed. Baptism is the doorway into the Christian faith and to be baptised means you are taking the decision to follow Jesus of Nazareth.
In the Church of England, you can request baptism at your local Parish Church. The boundaries of King Charles the Martyr (one of three CE churches in Potters Bar) are clearly defined – the parish comprises all houses from Baker Street westwards up to the boundary with the village of South Mimms. Michael Burns will be happy to clarify this for you or you can put your postcode into www.achurchnearyou.com
Baptism
WHAT HAPPENS AT A BAPTISM SERVICE?
The family and friends gather together on the chosen date (usually a Sunday) – and the parents and godparents publicly make certain promises on how they want to bring up the child. At the service, you will stand and declare on behalf of your child that you will help them ‘grow in faith and walk with them in the way of Christ’.
WHAT FOLLOWS BAPTISM?
Normally on the Sunday following the baptism, we invite parents (with the child) to come along to one of our Morning Services so that the whole Church family of the local area can informally welcome the newest baptised member. Please do not worry if you have never been to Church before – or not been for a long time – as we will arrange for one of our members to meet you at the door and sit with you during the service so that you will quickly feel at home at the service, which will last about an hour.
We hope, in the coming years, that you will continue to come to Church to worship with us as often as you feel able, so that we can help you as you seek to bring up your child in the Christian faith, as you will be promising at the Baptism Service.
We hope, in the coming years, that you will continue to come to Church to worship with us as often as you feel able, so that we can help you as you seek to bring up your child in the Christian faith, as you will be promising at the Baptism Service.
WHAT ABOUT GODPARENTS?
Godparents must be baptised themselves. This is the Church of England’s rule, and we try to observe it faithfully. It is also ideal if Godparents are confirmed and active members of their own Church, but we accept that this is not always possible. Normally there should be three godparents (two men and a woman for a boy and two women and a man for a girl) but it is possible to have only two (one of each sex) or to have four. Parents may be godparents for their own child provided that the child has at least one other godparent.
Godparents should be mature adults. Because of the promises they are going to make on behalf of the child, they should be chosen for their sincere belief, and should be the sort of people that a child could model his or her own life on. There is little point in choosing godparents whom the child will rarely see.
Godparents should be mature adults. Because of the promises they are going to make on behalf of the child, they should be chosen for their sincere belief, and should be the sort of people that a child could model his or her own life on. There is little point in choosing godparents whom the child will rarely see.
WHAT DOES BAPTISM COST?
There is no charge for a Baptism, but there will be an opportunity for you to make a donation towards the running costs of the Church at the end of the Service.
WHAT SHALL I DO NEXT?
Please contact the Parish Priest of the Church of King Charles the Martyr in Potters Bar (01707 661266) and he will want to visit you at home at a mutually convenient time to discuss the Baptism and decide together on the next step. It is important to speak with him in plenty of time before beginning to make arrangements for the Baptism Service. Michael will gladly and willingly help you make the Service a very memorable occasion in the life of your family.
WHAT SHALL I DO NEXT?
Please contact the Parish Priest of the Church of King Charles the Martyr in Potters Bar (01707 661266) and he will want to visit you at home at a mutually convenient time to discuss the Baptism and decide together on the next step. It is important to speak with him in plenty of time before beginning to make arrangements for the Baptism Service. Michael will gladly and willingly help you make the Service a very memorable occasion in the life of your family.
