"Go therefore into all the world and make disciples of all nations, baptising them...and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you"
Jesus

What is baptism?
Baptism (sometimes called "christening") is a joyful celebration in which an individual begins their journey of faith, either by publicly declaring their commitment to and faith in Christ or in the case of children, by their parents and godparents making a declaration on their behalf. In doing this, the person being baptised joins the Christian family, the Church, and shares symbolically in the death and resurrection of Jesus.

During the service we use several important symbols:
the sign of the cross which the minister makes on the forehead of the person being baptised, to show that the person now belongs to Jesus;
water, which may be poured over the person's forehead by the minister. Where an adult is being baptised (and facilities permit) the person may be completely immersed in a special pool of water. This symbolises many things: washing away sin and making us clean and fit for God; being refreshed with the new life of God's Holy Spirit; sharing in the death and resurrection of Jesus;
the welcoming of the newly baptised by the rest of the church community;
a lighted candle, given to the person or the family as a symbol of passing from spiritual darkness to light, and as a reminder of Jesus, "the light of the world".

Who can be baptised?
Anyone who wants to make a commitment to trust and follow Jesus may be baptised. The Church of England, like many other Christian denominations, baptises children on the understanding that those children will be brought up in the Christian faith through the teaching and example of parents, godparents and members of the local church community. During the baptism service, parents and godparents declare their intention to help the child to "walk in the way of Christ" and to "take their place within the life and worship of Christ's Church". The hope is that the child will eventually be able to make their own personal (adult) declaration of faith in Jesus Christ in a service of Confirmation, when the time is right.

Of course, not everyone is baptised as a child. Many people are baptised as adults, often during a Confirmation service where they can take on the full privileges and responsibilities of a member of the church and a follower of Jesus Christ. Contact the clergy to find out more about being baptised as an adult.

Is there any preparation involved?
For parents who want their child to be baptised, St. Nicolas runs two preparation sessions, both usually on a weekday evening. The first session (which normally takes place within a month of the initial enquiry) looks at what baptism means and at the decisions involved. The second session usually takes place during the week preceding the service, and is a more detailed preparation for the service itself.

Adults wishing to be baptised or confirmed should contact the clergy in the first instance.

I'm not sure I'm ready to make these promises. Is there anything else on offer for my child?
Baptism is a serious commitment, undertaken before God. We recognise that not everyone feels able to make the promises involved. In this case, we offer a service of Thanksgiving for the Gift of a Child, which simply involves coming to church to give thanks to God for your child.

How can I find out more?
Come to Office Hour on a Wednesday evening, or contact the clergy to find out more.