HOLY BAPTISM at ALL SAINTS'
Where can my child be baptised?
Baptism is becoming a member of the church, and a part of the Christian
community. We believe that a child and his or her family need a community to support them as the child grows. This means that children are usually baptised in their parish church because this is the community in which they are living, or else in the church that they attend regularly. If you don’t know which your parish church is, we can help you to find out.
All Saints' is part of Basingstoke Team parish so covers quite a big area, but within the parish we encourage families to make contact with their local Anglican church first. We can tell you which your local church is, or go to the Basingstoke Team Website.
Sometimes a family chooses to attend another church, not in their parish. If this is the case for you, you can usually ask for your children to be baptised in that church, but you will need the good will and permission of your local vicar. We can help you contact him or her.
Do I need to come to church?
Different churches have different approaches to this question. The important thing to think about, is that baptism is about becoming part of God’s Family, which is what the church is. Being part of a family means getting together as a family, and getting to know the different members of the family. To grow in faith and as a Christian, we all need to find a church where we are able to feel comfortable in the presence of God, and worship with others, as well as praying on our own at home.
When can we come to All Saints'?
Our regular Sunday service is at 10.00am and is a eucharist (communion). We enjoy welcoming families with children and babies. There are toys for younger children to play with in church. If you come to the 10.00am service, please bring your children up during the communion for a blessing.
We also have a short monthly service for children from babies to about school age/Key Stage 1, called Small Saints. It meets monthly at 3.30pm on the 3rd Sunday of the month.
What if we are not married, or are divorced, or a one-parent family?
Baptism is about your child, God’s love for your child, and responding to God’s love for your child. We will welcome you and your child.
What about Godparents?
If you decide that you would like your child to be baptised, you will need to choose god-parents. They do not have to be relatives – it is often nice to ask good friends. (they are not legal guardians for your child) . As they have to make the promises of faith in God and Jesus for your child, they must be adults and baptised themselves. It is even better if they are active Christians who have “confirmed” their own baptismal promises. The most important thing is that they are the sort of people who will help your child to grow in faith. Talk to the vicar if you have questions about this.
(NB – Being a god-parent does not give anyone the right or responsibility to be the child’s legal guardian):
http://www.cofe.anglican.org/lifeevents/lifeevents/baptismconfirm/baptism1.html#godparents
How do we go about arranging a Baptism or a Thanksgiving service?
The first thing to do is to contact the Vicar by phone or e-mail. She will probably arrange to meet you either separately or with a group of parents asking about baptism and thanksgiving, before arranging a definite date. You may also find it helpful to come to a service at All Saints', either at 10.00am on Sundays, or Small Saints (see above).
Baptisms are booked for Sundays, either to take place during the 10.00am service or at 12 noon on certain Sundays.