What exactly is Baptism?
Baptism marks the beginning of a journey with God which continues for the rest of our lives. This first step is a response to God’s love. It is also a celebration, a time to come together with family and friends; remembering that your child is loved by God, is part of a wider community and has a place with God’s people. The service is described in full on the Church of England website.
Meaning
Baptism and Communion are the only two ceremonies which Our Lord commanded his disciples to undergo – they are what is known as “Sacraments”, i.e. they are both outward signs of an inward spiritual change. Each is also an “effectual means of grace” as the actual ceremony, when sincerely entered into, helps establish the new life that is claimed by faith. This new life is nothing less than a transformed life in which the child grows up under the guidance and inspiration of God’s Spirit to become more and more like Christ. Consequently, it is important that at least one or other of the parents is a Christian as in the Baptism service they, and the Godparents, speak words of faith on behalf of their child.
Being Baptised at our church
For centuries the vast majority of the Church has believed that Baptism is the best possible start for a child’s life. At Holy Trinity Langdale we share that conviction and are delighted when parents who understand the the commitment, as described above, bring their child to be Baptised.
Every child in the parish has a legal right to be Baptised, as do all couples who were married in our church. If your circumstances are different please contact the Vicar to discuss your situations as we may still be able to help.
Further information
If you wish to apply for a Baptism please complete this form and return it to the vicar. There is no cost for the service, though if you require a certificate the fee is £18 (2023).