Baptism

Baptism, or 'Christening' as it is incorrectly but popularly called, is the way we make public our personal Christian commitment. Jesus was baptised in the river Jordan at the start of his ministry, and ever since, Christians have baptised new believers as the sign of their own commitment to personal Christian discipleship.

 The symbolism is powerful. The person being baptised passes through the water and is raised to a new kind of  life – life as a member of the Church to be lived in prayerful obedience to God.  Baptism is the sign of God’s love for us and through it we become a child of God just like Jesus himself.

From the earliest times, Christians have baptised whole families, including children. Clearly, infants cannot make a personal commitment to Christian Discipleship, so the Christian parents or parent, helped by 'God-Parents', make the promises on their behalf.

The Parents and God-Parents promise to bring the Child up in a Christian home, to take part in Christian worship on a regular basis, and when the Child is old enough, to bring him or her to the Bishop so that the Child can 'Confirm' for him or her self the promises of personal christian commitment that were made on his or her behalf at Baptism.

How to arrange a Baptism

Baptisms should normally take place in the Parish where the person being baptised lives (check here to see which is your parish). Those within the parish of St. John’s, Clevedon should contact our Vicar, Fr Roger Jackson, usinge the details on the ‘Contact Us’ page or submit the form below.

Once you have made contact we will want to visit you at home and help you understand what Baptism means before arranging a date. Once we have agreed a date we will invite you (and the Godparents) to attend a Baptism Preparation evening.  The full meaning of baptism will be explained to you, as well as the service itself and the promises you will be asked to make to God. There will be plenty of opportunity to ask questions. If it is your child that is being baptised, then you should attend the course on his/her behalf. This will help you prepare for the Baptism in the best possible way.

We are pleased that you are considering baptism. Please make contact with Fr Roger, either by telephone or complete and submit the form below and he will be in touch with you.