Baptism of young children and infants
First steps.
At St Michael's we welcome requests from parents wishing to have their children baptised. All those requesting baptism of their child are seen by a member of the clergy and/or a member of the Baptism Team and at this meeting the reasons for wanting the child baptised are explored alongside a brief explanation of what baptism in the Church of England means and involves. The option of a Thanksgiving Service as an alternative or as a first step towards baptism is considered if the parents do not feel ready at this point to make the full commitment of baptism. A form is completed and dates are arranged for the preparation sessions and the actual baptism. If they don't already do so, parents are encouraged to start attending services at St Michael's with their child. St Michael's welcomes children at every service and there are special activities and provision for children of all ages.
Big Baptism Sundays.
Baptisms are held at St Michael's on the four occasions in the year when there is a fifth Sunday in the month, and in Family Services when the uniform groups, e.g. Scouts / Brownies etc, do not parade (these are usually the second Sundays of January, March or April, August and September.) These all take place at 10.30am and if necessary at 2.30pm as well and are public worship services at which members of the established congregation are present.
Preparation.
In view of the serious nature of the promises and decisions that are made on behalf of the child at baptism, parents are expected to attend a time of baptism preparation. This takes the form of a series of up to three meetings usually in the home of one of the baptism team at which, in an informal setting, questions, concerns and information about baptism can be shared. Usually a number of parents wanting their children baptised will attend these meetings together. Our aim is for these to be fun and well as informative! One of these meetings will be a rehearsal in church of the baptism service so that all those involved, parents, godparents and children feel more comfortable and know what to expect on the day itself.
The Baptism Service.
We aim to make this a family friendly celebration while retaining the integrity of the sacrament of baptism.
Follow up.
We take seriously our commitment to the children who have been baptised at St Michael's. Parents and the children are encouraged to take part in the life of the church and helped to grow as followers of Jesus. The baptism team keep in touch with families and once a year a party is held for the children (and their parents!!) who have been baptised at St Michael's within the last two or three years. A card is sent to each child to mark the anniversary of their baptism.
Baptism of older children and adults.
As older children and adults are able to make decisions about baptism for themselves, if they wish to be baptised they will be seen by one of the clergy and/or a member of the baptism team and invited to go through a period of preparation for baptism which explores not only the meaning of baptism but also the basics of the Christian faith. They would be expected to make a commitment to attend St Michael's regularly.
Baptism Team.
Revd David Brown; Revd Mary Lodge; Gill Frigerio; and Liam Massey.
Enquiries about Baptisms (Infant or Adult) should be made to Revd. David Brown
Weddings
Initial queries about Weddings or publication of Banns should also be made to Revd. David Brown or The Parish Administrator Click the following link for more information on Church of England Weddings
Banns are read during the morning services on the 6th, 5th and 4th Sundays
prior to the ceremony.
Where Banns are to be read, when the wedding is to take place elsewhere, couples will be invited to attend a service and complete their forms with us afterwards.
