You are bringing your child to the Christian church for baptism.  In doing so you may be motivated by all sorts of reasons. 

v      You may yourself be a practising Christian and want to set your child on the same path. 

v      You may be going along with your family tradition of infant baptism. 

v      You may see the service as an opportunity to gather together as a family to give thanks to God for the safe arrival of the child. 

v      You may feel that baptism is necessary for a child if they are to be loved and cared for by God.

Whatever your reasons we are delighted to welcome you although you should note that God's love and care for your child is not affected one way or the other by baptism.

Ideally, when a child is brought to baptism, both parents should be baptised and confirmed, but provided one parent is baptised the baptism can go ahead.  You will need to identify at least two godparents (one male and one female), who must be baptised and, preferably, confirmed and over 18.  Most children will have a third godparent and some may have up to four. Bear in mind when selecting godparents that they, with you, will be making some very serious commitments.  

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 into the community of faith and walk with them in the way of Christ?

1       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?

2       With the help of God, we will.

Do you turn to Christ?

3       I turn to Christ.

Do you repent of your sins?

4       I repent of my sins.

Do you renounce evil?

5       I renounce evil.

Do you believe and trust in God the Father, source of all being and life, the one for whom we exist?

6       I believe and trust in him.

Do you believe and trust in God the Son who took our human nature, died for us and rose again?

7       I believe and trust in him.

Do you believe and trust in God the Holy Spirit, who gives life to the people of God and makes Christ known in the world?

8       I believe and trust in him.

These commitments are not only very serious, but they are the foundation on which the baptism takes place so you will want to give careful thought to what they say about your own faith and your future role.   You will be the prime example to your child of what it means to live life as a Christian, enabling your child to express their own faith once they are older.