Baptism:

if you are under 9 years of age we are happy for you/ your child to be baptised with the support of your family. However, this only makes sense if there is a real desire to know God and His Son Jesus. To live a Christian life and to grow in the Christian faith. Baptism is the beginning of a relationship that continues for eternity. Although in one sense your relationship with God began when you were born, baptism shows that you want to have that relationship, even if initially this is done on your behalf until you are old enough.

Baptisms are normally carried out on the second Sunday of the month, at around 12noon. This is done within a special baptism service that more adequately meets where you and your family and friends are on their journey with God and their understanding of the Christian faith. Before the baptism service there is preparation carried out which allows people the opportunity to think and talk about God and the Christian faith, as well as going through the service used. No more than 3 families can be involved on any one occasion and applications must be made at least 2 calendar months in advance.

God parents are normally three in number (though we can be slightly flexible as regards this!) However, they must be over the age of sixteen and be baptised themselves. The place and date of their baptism must be provided. If you are not baptised you cannot be a godparent. If you are thinking of asking someone who is not baptised to take on this role, then that person must be confirmed and for this to take place a clear six months minimum must be allowed for, for this to be carried out.

Parenting classes:

From this year we will be running parenting classes that will offer much needed advice and support to those new to parenthood. Full details of these will be given when you approach us as regards baptism.

Confirmation:

If you are over the age of 9 you can be prepared for confirmation. If you were not baptised when you were younger this takes place at the same time. There is no upper age limit to when you can be confirmed. Confirmation is a commitment of faith, marking a stage in your spiritual life. Our spiritual growth continues until the end of our lives. Our confirmation service, presided over by a Bishop in the diocese, happens once a year with adequate time spent in terms of learning and discussing the faith beforehand.als

If you live in our parish you can ask to be baptised, confirmed, married and to have your funeral service in St Lawrence church. If you are not, still ask (!) as there have been significant changes as regards, for instance, getting married in the Church of England!

If you would like to discuss any of these matters please contact the Priest-in-charge: Revd Mark Bridgen