Our baptism and dedication policy

Baptism is when a person publicly acknowledges his or her faith in Jesus Christ and is the beginning of their membership of the Christian Church. When children who are not old enough to answer for themselves are baptised, their parents and Godparents answer for them (see below).

Infant Christenings

We offer two forms of christenings for infants: a baptism service and a dedication service.

Baptism uses the symbol of water to mark the beginning of the child’s membership of the Christian Church and includes solemn promises of faith, made on their behalf.

Dedication is a service of thanksgiving and commitment to bring up the child knowing about the Christian faith but allowing them to choose whether to become a member of the Christian Church (through baptism) when they are older.

Who can be baptised?

We are delighted to baptise any child whose family lives in the parish. If your child does not live in the parish, then we will need the permission of the Church of England priest in charge of the parish where they do live, unless you are already members of our electoral roll.

We would encourage parents first to come and find out if Holy Trinity is the sort of church they would like to belong to by visiting us for our Sunday services for at least 1 month prior to the baptism.

As a parish, we have an open baptism policy and are happy to baptise any adult who lives in the parish and who expresses a desire to follow Christ. Adult baptism always takes place after a period of preparation, which may also held together with those who are preparing for Confirmation, or with those wanting to know more about our faith. Those who are being baptised are also encouraged to take the further step of Confirmation.

Support for children by Parents and Godparents

Baptisms

Children are always supported at their baptism by their parent(s) and/or guardian(s) and usually by Godparents. These adults are asked publicly to acknowledge their own faith, to bring up the child(ren) within the family of the Church and encourage them to consider Confirmation when they are older and can make their own Christian commitment.

Dedications

Children are always supported at dedications by their parent(s) and/or guardian(s) and often by Godparents. These adults are asked publicly to say that they want to thank God and ask for his blessing on the child(ren) and, with God’s help, to bring up the child(ren) to know God’s love.

Preparation for a Child's Baptism or Dedication

We provide preparation for baptism or dedication for the child’s family (and Godparents if they live nearby) so that they are aware of the significance of what is being done for their child, and can be offered the help and support of the local Church as they seek to carry out the promises made in the service.

And next?

Please contact Rev Moira Saunders either by phone: 01252 501351 or by email: moira@htca.org.uk if you want to find out more about baptism or dedication at Holy Trinity - either as an adult, or for your child. You can also download and print off a Baptism Enquiry form here - please select this link.