Baptism is a very special occasion not only for you and your family but also for us as a church community. Before we make any arrangements therefore, we would like to get to know you a little better and to be sure that you understand what Baptism is all about. This page explains what it is, what options we offer, and how we go about it.
To find out which parish you live in, visit A Church Near You and enter your postcode in the search field.
What is Baptism?
Baptism is what is commonly known as 'christening', which name also indicates what, or whom, it is about: Jesus the Christ. Jesus was baptised in the River Jordan by his cousin John the Baptist. Some churches still baptise by immersion like this.
Baptism is primarily a covenant between the person being baptised and God. Promises are made to God that say, 'I believe in You, I trust in You, I reject the Devil and all that is evil. I want to put you first in my life.' You can read them on the next sub-menu item.
When the person being baptised is too young to make those promises for him- or herself, parents and godparents step in and make these promises for them.
In Baptism parents and godparents promise to bring up their children in the Christian faith by their words and example.
When those children grow up, they can make those promises for themselves in a service we call 'Confirmation'. In the Parish of Congleton, we offer baptism and confirmation together for anyone of secondary school age upwards.
See here for more info.
The Baptism Promises
As parents or godparents, during the Baptism service you declare your own faith and intention to encourage and guide your [god-]child to grow in the understanding and practice of the Christian faith by your support, your prayers and your example. We think that's both a rewarding and responsible task, and we pray that God will bless you as you undertake this role.
Below are two sections of the baptism service that will be used in church. The parts in bold font are the ones you will be saying. They are promises or vows that you make to God in church on behalf of your [god-]child.
Parents and Godparents, the Church receives these children with joy. Today we are trusting God for their growth in faith.
Will you pray for them, draw them by your example in-to the community of faith and walk with them in the way of Christ?
With the help of God, we will.
In baptism, these children begin their journey in faith. You speak for them today.
Will you care for them, and help them to take their place within the life and worship of Christ's Church?
With the help of God, we will.
In baptism, God calls us out of darkness into his marvellous light. To follow Christ means dying to sin and rising to new life with him. Therefore I ask:
Do you reject the devil and all rebellion against God?
I reject them.
Do you renounce the deceit and corruption of evil?
I renounce them.
Do you repent of the sins that separate us from God and neighbour?
I repent of them.
Do you turn to Christ as Saviour?
I turn to Christ.
Do you submit to Christ as Lord?
I submit to Christ.
Do you come to Christ, the way, the truth, and the life?
I come to Christ.
The minister leading the service will make sure you know when you have to say your part. During the service prayers will be said for you and your [god-]child.
What is a Thanksgiving?
A Service of Thanksgiving is exactly what it says on the tin: an opportunity to give thanks to God for the safe arrival of your child. Perhaps you feel uncomfortable with the promises in the baptism service, or simply wish to express your gratitude in a special way.
If you would like to give thanks to God for the safe arrival of your child, then a simple Service of Thanksgiving can be arranged quite quickly. This would probably take place in one of our Sunday morning services. There is no need for godparents; there are no promises to be made; there is no use of water.
Detail from the 'Baptism Window' at St. Mary's Episcopal Cathedral in Memphis, Tennessee,
showing godparents at a baptism.
Being a godparent
Perhaps you have been asked to be a godparent and you are wondering what that entails.
To help you prepare for the role, the Parish of Congleton invites you to attend a service at one of our churches, as well as a baptism preparation session one Sunday afternoon. The aim is to help you prepare for the role of godparent, both during the service and in the years ahead.
The essence of being a godparent is that it is your job, alongside the parents, to encourage and guide your godchild to grow in the understanding and practice of the Christian faith by your support, your prayers and your example. We think that's both a rewarding and responsible task, and we pray that God will bless you as you undertake this role.
See here for more info.
Arranging a Baptism
For baptisms in the Church of England, normally you should live in the parish where the baptism is to take place. The Parish of Congleton and the Parish of St James' Church, Congleton, have a longstanding agreement to baptise people from anywhere within those two parishes. You can check in which parish you live on the ACNY website (see bottom left of this page).
To arrange a baptism in one of the Parish of Congleton churches, please
You will then be invited to attend a baptism preparation session on a Sunday afternoon. This will help you consider what Baptism is all about and the promises to be made.
Those leading the session will go through the baptism dates we have available and arrange a suitable date with you, which we will confirm with you. Shortly before the chosen date, you will be invited to a further session to go through the service so that you know what to expect on the day.
Some Frequently Asked Questions:
• Do I have to be baptised in order to have my children baptised?
Parents need not themselves be baptised but it is a requirement that those who are godparents must have been baptised themselves.
• Can a member of another faith be a godparent?
Members of other Christian churches (Roman Catholic, Methodist, etc.) can be godparents as long as they have been baptised.
Members of other faith groups cannot be godparents because they have not been baptised and could not make the necessary promises.
Your friends of other faiths may of course support you in the decision you have made.
• Do we have to be married before our child can be baptised?
No. Baptism is about your child. However, you are promising to bring up your child in the Christian faith and
Christians hold marriage to be the right and proper relationship in which to bring up children.
If you are considering marriage, why not discuss that with the clergy?
• Can I have my child baptised without my partner's agreement?
It would not be wise to go ahead with a Baptism if it were likely to cause friction within the family.
Religious faith is a deeply personal matter and can be the source of hurt within a relationship when partners do not agree.
Please discuss this issue with the clergy.
• What does it cost?
Unlike weddings, funerals or burials, there is no Church of England fee for a Baptism. However, they do still cost us something to put on.
The PCC decided that we should cover our costs (energy) for baptism services. This varies across the Parish and the year.
We hope you understand the need for this and would request payment either by cash or cheque to All Saints Congleton at the second baptism preparation session (or by BACS a couple of weeks before the baptism).
• I don't feel that I know enough about the Christian faith myself. How could I learn more?
Why not start by coming to church regularly? You could also ask for information about study groups, our Start! course,
or the Alpha course which is run at New Life Church. Have a word with the staff team.