Thanksgiving and Baptism

The options

We are glad that you want to have your child baptised at St. Aidan’s.  This is an important occasion and we want an opportunity to explain what goes on at a Baptism as well as its meaning.  Baptism is also commonly known as 'Christening'.

 
The first question to ask is:  Have you considered a ‘Thanksgiving’ as an alternative to a Baptism?  This is a very special service that can be a great family occasion.  It is offered because Baptism itself calls you to make very strong public declarations about your Christian faith, and a commitment to regular Christian worship and prayer.  You may feel you cannot make such a strong commitment at present, therefore a ‘Thanksgiving’ gives you the opportunity to:

  • Say thank you to God for your child.
  • Spend more time considering Baptism and what it means to you and your Godparents.
  • Wait to have your child to be baptised later when she/he is ready to make the baptism promises for him or herself.


If you would like to consider a Thanksgiving now, it does not stop you having a Baptism later.

Baptism

 
To have a Baptism at St. Aidan’s you must live in St. Aidan’s Parish, be on the electoral roll of St. Aidan’s or have a strong connection with the church. If you live in another parish you will need permission before you can proceed .  Talk to our Vicar, Mick if you are in doubt - it’s not as bad as it sounds!
 

Baptisms usually happen within the 10am Service on the First Sunday of the month. We book on a ‘first come, first served’ basis and only baptise 2 families during each service.

The Steps to booking a Baptism at St. Aidan’s Church

  1. Check the baby lives in the Parish.
  2. Come to any 10am Service and pick up a form at the end. (Please note that forms are not available at other times.)
  3. Once the form has been filled in, attend another Service and hand in the completed form at the end.
  4. You will then be contacted by a member of the Baptism Team who will make a date to meet with the Parents.  At this meeting, you will be given information about the services, including the difference between Baptism and Thanksgiving.
  5. After that meeting, you need to contact a member of the Team with your decision on which you would prefer.
  6. If you choose Baptism, the Parents and God-parents must attend a second meeting to look at the Baptism Promises and the Service.
  7. The Baptism is then booked!