Why Infant Baptism?

Some things people say…

…to be able to get married in church?

…it’s what we do in our family?

…good excuse for a party?

…because we are filled with joy and wonder at the gift of new life?

…my mother is pressurizing us!

Have a chat with one of the clergy in order to discern whether baptism is what you are looking for.

There must be something more?

God loves us! Christians believe that at baptism (christening) a child or adult becomes a member of the Christian family and more fully a child of God.

What will happen?

During the baptism service the parents and godparents will be asked to follow a Christian way of life. This means being a regular worshipper at church and living a life characterised by sacrificial love (putting others first), forgiveness, care and empathy.

The parents and godparents will also make promises during the baptism service to bring up the child as a follower of Jesus. Your promises will be strengthened through the ancient symbols of the Church: the pouring of water; signing with the Cross in special oils blessed by the Bishop; the giving and receiving of a lighted candle. The symbols will be explained during the Service!

When?

Baptism takes place on two Sundays during the month at 12:00 noon. Though, other arrangements can be made dependent upon circumstances.

All families living in Kirkham have the right to have their child baptised at Kirkham Parish Church. If you live outside the parish, please telephone the clergy (01772 687076) and they will guide you on what to do next.

How do I arrange a Baptism?

Your first point of contact is to phone the parish office (Tel. 01772 687076) and speak to one of the clergy. If you reach the answer phone, please leave your name and telephone number and we will contact you within seven working days.

Will it cost anything?

No! But, we do encourage you to give a donation to church. A realistic gift would be £50 in most families.

Why?

It important to respond to God's love for us by financial giving to the church community. This in turn enables the church to develop ministry for the good of the whole community. The church relies not only on the regular giving of the congregation, but also on the generosity of those who attend and use church on a less regular basis. It is also vital to recognise that it costs large sums of money to run Kirkham Parish Church (e.g. running costs are in the region of £1,500 per week). The church is unable to fulfil its commitment to the community effectively if it does not have the financial means to operate.

Godparents

All godparents must be baptised. However, all godparents must be over the age of sixteen. Normally there are three/four godparents and we ask you not to have more than six. You don’t have to have any godparents at all!

And later on!

You will receive mailing, from time to time, that will advertise All Age Family Worship and children’s events. All Age Family Communion is on the first Sunday of every month and you are very welcome to attend and join in. All Age Family Communion lasts no longer than fifty five minutes.

From the age of 10.5 years we expect all those who have been baptised to be Confirmed by the Bishop. Keep this as an exciting opportunity for your child in the future.

If you are the parent of a child, and would like to be baptised, please talk to one of the clergy and we can make the necessary arrangements.

If you are an adult and simply browsing this web page, but are interested in being baptised, please make contact with the clergy.