Baptism, often referred to as Christening, is a sacrament, a visible sign of a new beginning, where we thank God for his gift of life and publicly acknowledge his love. In the Church of England, it’s common to baptise children as well as adults. Jesus himself was baptised in the river Jordan and asked his followers to continue this tradition. This note forms the current policy regarding baptisms within the churches set out above that form West Sheppey Benefice.
Following initial contact by the family, they will be invited to attend a Church Service to discuss the baptism with our Priest in Charge and collect a West Sheppey Churches Baptism Pack.
The Pack will comprise one each of:
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- Baptism Application Form
- Data Protection Consent Form
- Baptism Leaflet
- Thanksgiving Leaflet
- The Role of Godparents Leaflet
- West Sheppey Churches Baptism Policy
We recommend families attend a minimum of four Sunday services prior to the baptism taking place. This will enable them to familiarise themselves with the congregation, style of worship and ensure they have chosen the right church to begin their journey of faith in. We strongly encourage, where possible, that both parents attend these services alongside Godparents and anyone else who will play an important role in the child’s upbringing.
Once the application form is completed it needs to be returned to a churchwarden during a Sunday morning service. While our Priest in Charge will be happy to agree a provisional date at the first meeting, this date is dependent on receipt of a completed application form. Once this is received we will confirm the provisional date arranged for the baptism, which will be held in one of our Sunday morning services as follows:
Once all the relevant details have been discussed and the relevant form completed, the parents will then be contacted to arrange a date for the baptism, which will be held in one of our Sunday morning services as follows:
NB. Baptisms will not be held during January, December, Easter or Remembrance Sunday except by prior arrangement with the Priest in Charge
West Sheppey PCC acknowledges, in line with Canon Law (B21), there is a prima-facie expectation those requesting Baptism will attend church services, and that Baptism will take place in the main Sunday Service.
Where a family requests a Thanksgiving for their child in preference to a baptism, such a service will be conducted in line with this policy.