Arranging A Baptism

Your Questions Answered

What Is Baptism
In baptism, also known as Christening, we welcome people into the Christian faith. When children are baptised their parents are asked to declare their own Christian faith and to raise the child to become an active member of the church.

Tell Me about Godparents
To be a Godparent is a privilege, a responsibility and a challenge. Godparents make the same promises as do the child's parents. They declare their own belief and trust in God and in Jesus Christ and promise that, by prayer and example, they will lead their Godchild into the same faith.

Who Can Be Godparents and How Many Does May Child Need?
Any friend or relative who has agreed to take on this responsibility can be a Godparent provided that they themselves are Christians. All Godparents must themselves have been baptised and, ideally, should also have been confirmed into the Christian faith.

There is no limit to the number of Godparents your child can have. It should be a minimum of 3 - two of the same gender as the child and one of the other. Thus a girl would usually have 2 Godmothers and one Godfather and a boy one Godmother and two Godfathers.

Who Can Be Baptised At The Harborough Anglican Team Churches?
Anyone who lives within the area covered by the Harborough Anglican Team churches who has not previously been baptised.

When Are Baptisms Carried Out?
Baptisms can be incorporated into some morning services as follows
St Dionysius - 2nd Sunday of the month
St Nicholas - 1st Sunday of the month
St Hugh - 2nd Sunday of the Month
All Saints - 3rd Sunday of the month

In addition baptism Services are held at 3pm as follows
St Dionysius - 4th Sunday of the month
St Nicholas - 2nd Sunday of the month

To ensure that each baptism is special we limit the number of people who are baptised at each service. This means that your first choice of date and time may not be available. Please arrange the service before you make other plans. In all cases, the final decision upon the time and date of baptisms rests with the clergy.

Where And When Can I Make Arrangements For A Baptism
You should call at the Team Office in St Dionysius Church on any Saturday between 10 am and 12 noon (excluding Bank Holiday weekends). No appointment is necessary. You will be asked to complete an Application for Baptism form. The application is then considered by the Team clergy and, if all is well, you will receive written confirmation within ten days.

All bookings are taken by the Team Co-ordinator, Liz Markham, who will be happy to answer any questions you may have. Liz can be contacted on 01858 440265 Tuesday to Saturday or by calling at the Team Office on Saturdays between 10 am and 12 noon. You are also welcome to contact the team clergy with any queries.

What Happens After The Baptism Has been Confirmed?
The minister responsible for the service will contact you to arrange to visit you to discuss the Baptism. Each church has a team of Baptism Preparation Visitors, one of whom will also contact you to arrange to visit you in your home.

Fees
We do NOT charge a fee for Baptisms. However, a collection plate is made available at the Baptism service for donations towards the work of the church.

Adult Baptism
Please contact the clergy for information