St Mary’s Church Whitegate

© 2010 St Mary’s Church Whitegate Cheshire

Holy Baptism

Holy Baptism is the sacrament and rite through which people become Christians. It washes away sin, gives the gift of eternal life and makes us part of the Body of Christ. It is undertaken by God’s grace through water, in the name of the Holy Trinity (Father, Son and Holy Spirit). It is a moment of joy when through a simple action given by Jesus for us to follow in his pattern. Water is poured over the person’s head, and they in that moment are transformed into a child of God, a member of his royal priestly family and given gifts and graces that no amount of evil and darkness can destroy.

If you wish to have your child baptised or to be baptised yourself then please telephone the parish office. We always encourage people from other parishes, to make their spiritual home in their local church. There are some people, nonetheless who are not on the church electoral roll, nor live in the parish but have a particular link with St Mary’s, under these circumstances we would be very happy to talk to you about baptising you or your child and asking you to seek the goodwill of the parish priest in the parish in which you reside.

Baptism can take place either within the 9.30am Sunday Eucharist or as a separate service at 1.00pm. Regular members of the congregation are especially encouraged to have their baptism take place when the rest of the church family is present at the morning service.

Baptisms are not normally held in Lent to allow a greater focus on the austerity of the season.

Baptism is a way of sharing in Christ’s resurrection and so baptism is encouraged at the Easter Vigil or Easter Day Service.

Enquiries about baptism should be directed in the first instance through the parish office on 01606 882151, where you will receive advice.

Baptism is perfectly proper for both adults and children. A brief time of preparation and rehearsal is required with the parents of any infant being baptised. For adults coming for baptism, this is usually combined with Confirmation (the giving of the gifts of the Holy Spirit and the taking of adult membership of the church and receiving Holy Communion) and would take place after a longer period of preparation.

Anyone who is already baptised and who is interested in being prepared for Confirmation or to explore the Christian faith more deeply is welcome to contact The Revd Lesley Eden on lesley.eden@stmaryswhitegate.org

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