Baptism

Here you’ll find information about Baptism. Please click the buttons below to navigate the page.

What is Baptism?

Baptism, also known as Christening, is the beginning of a Christian’s spiritual journey with God. In Baptism, we say ‘yes’ to the overabundant love of God, and we become part of the Body of Christ – the Church.

For children, it is also a time to thank God for the gift of life, and to for parents and godparents to promise to help their child grow in faith. The Church also promises to welcome the newly baptised and to pray for them.

For both children and adults, Baptism is a moment of committing our lives to Christ, becoming inseparably part of his Church, growing in faith and our relationship with God in this life and the next.

Baptism involves several signs and symbols. First, the candidate receives the sign of the cross in oil on their forehead. They are told that Christ claims them as his own. After affirming their belief in God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, the candidate is baptised with water, in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. They are given a candle to take away with them as a reminder to shine as a light in the world.

Who can be baptised?

Anyone can be baptised. The decision to be baptised is never just a private relationship between God and individual; it is a decision to become part of the Church in every time and place. When a person is baptised (or their families on their behalf), they declare their intention to grow as part of the Church, and Christ asks all baptised Christians to belong to a community of fellow believers.

At St John’s, we welcome anyone who lives within our parish boundaries to be baptised. If you live outside our parish, we may have a conversation about whether you’d like to be baptised in your parish church, or at St John’s if you become a regular worshipper with us.

Children may be brought to baptism by their parents. The consent of both parents is needed for a child to be baptised. Adults may present themselves for baptism.

For more information, or to arrange a meeting with a member of the clergy, please contact the Parish Office on (office@stjohnsangelltown.church/0207 733 0585).

Not yet ready for Baptism?

If you’re not yet ready to have your child Baptised, we encourage you to have a conversation with our Vicar about Baptism, and to explore what it would mean for you and your child. For the time being, you might like to consider a service of thanksgiving for the gift of a child. This is not a Baptism, but it does allow parents to give thanks to God for their child as they prepare for Baptism. 

As an adult, we encourage you to have a conversation with our Vicar about Baptism, and to explore what it would mean for you. We are able to pray with you, and provide you with prayers and things to think about as you continue to consider Baptism.

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“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” Hebrews 10:24-25