Baptism

Baptism marks the beginning of a journey with God which continues for the rest of our lives. This first step is a response to God's love.

It is also a celebration, a time to come together with family and friends; remembering that the person to be baptised is loved by God, is part of a wider community and has a place with God's people.

Here in S. John's, baptism takes place within the Sunday Morning Parish Mass, as the occasion is not just a private celebration, but the concern of the local Christian family gathered together for worship. Alternatively there are a number of 11am baptism services for one or more candidates each year.

In the service parents thank God for his gift of life, make a decision to start their child on a journey of faith and godparents promise help and support. The Church, represented by the gathered congregation also promises to welcome the baptised and to pray for the family.

For those being baptised it marks the start of a lifelong journey of faith as part of the local and worldwide Christian family.

If you would like to know more about Baptism (often referred to by its 'nickname' as Christening), either for yourself or for your child, please contact Fr. James using the contact us page 

To review our policy on Baptism click here

The Paschal or Easter Candle (Opposite) which is located next to the font is blessed and lit on the eve of Easter to symbolise the light of Christ rising in triumph from his suffering and death of Good Friday.

It is lit at baptisms, and from this a small candle is lit and given to the newly-baptisied to signify the light of the Christian faith kindled in our hearts through the gift of the sacrament of baptism.