Baptism

Baptism marks the beginning of an adventure with God which continues for the rest of our lives, the first step in response to God's love. For all involved, particularly the candidates but also parents, godparents and sponsors, it is a joyful moment when we rejoice in what God has done for us in Christ, making serious promises and declaring the faith. The wider community of the local church and friends welcome the new Christian, promising support and prayer for the future.

The baptism (or 'Christening' as it is often referred to) service paints many vivid pictures of what happens on the Christian way. There is the sign of the cross, the badge of faith in the Christian journey, which reminds us of Christ's death for us. Our 'drowning' in the water of baptism, where we believe we die to sin and are raised to new life, unites us to Christ's dying and rising, a picture that can be brought home vividly by the way the baptism is administered.   None of us is perfect and all need God's forgiveness, we find that forgiveness in and through Jesus, who 'bore our sins for us' on the cross.

Water is also a sign of new life, as we are born again by water and the Spirit. This reminds us of Jesus' baptism.

And as a sign of that new life, there is a lighted candle, a picture of the light of Christ conquering the darkness of evil. Everyone who is baptised walks in that light for the rest of their lives.

At St Wilfrid's we hold baptism services monthly, whether that be a baby or an adult, through water being sprinkled at the font or immersion in the baptism pool we love to celebrate with you as you take that step of faith on your journey with God.  We also hold services of thanksgiving, for those parents who would like to give thanks for the birth of their child but aren’t yet ready to take that further step of commitment to following Jesus in their life.

For those who have already been baptised but would like to make a public declaration of a new found faith we can celebrate with you through either reaffirmation of your baptism vows through immersion or a confirmation service.