The Church understands that Baptism is how we are welcomed into the Church and become members of Christ´s body.
The outward sign of this is water by which a person is baptised in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The inward and spiritual grace of Baptism is the gift of union with Christ in his death and resurrection, birth into God´s family the Church, forgiveness of sins and new life in the Holy Spirit. Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about baptism.... Is there any age restriction on baptism? The Anglican Church receives people of any age for baptism. No age is too young, and you are never too old! What does the church expect people to do before they are baptised? We expect to have some meetings for preparation before baptism so that we can build or deepen our relationship with you and understand how God is calling you to baptism. Why does the Church think that some preparation for Baptism is needed? Baptism is a once in a lifetime event, and so we want to make it as special and meaningful as possible. In the case of young children we ask that parents and godparents make the commitments on behalf of their child and likewise we expect the parents at least to do some preparation. What is involved in the preparation? The preparation is tailored to your needs and it is intended to equip you to understand the commitments you will be asked to make in the liturgy, to decide whether or not you wish to make them, and if you do to enable you to be confident about it. When are Baptisms held? Baptisms are normally conducted in the regular Sunday Eucharist when the congregation is present to welcome the newly baptised into the church. We are able to do this on most Sundays and will try to accommodate the date you wish particularly if you want to have visiting of family members present. What if I am already baptised and I want to mark an important new step in faith? If you are already baptised but would like to reaffirm your faith we can arrange for confirmation or renewal for you. Thanksgiving for the birth of a child: What if I and not ready to have my child baptised but still want to celebrate the birth or adoption of my child? A service of Thanksgiving for the birth of a child can be arranged which can either be part of a Sunday Eucharist or held at another time, either in church or at home.