BAPTISM
What is baptism?
In (infant) baptism, parents are: thanking God for His gift of life, deciding to start their child on the journey of faith and asking the Christian Community (the Church) for it's support.
For the child, baptism: marks the beginning of a journey of faith, which involves turning away from the darkness of self-centredness, turning towards the person and teaching of Jesus Christ and becoming a member of the Christian Community - both local and worldwide.
Baptism is a 'sacrament': a visible sign of God's love. In baptism, we are thanking God for His gift of life and publicly acknowledging Him and His love. We are acknowledging too that we all need to turn away from the darkness of evil and to make a new start with God.
Shouldn't children be left to make their own decisions?
It is the concern of some people that by having their children baptised they are imposing their views on them. But from the moment they are born, you make choices on their behalf. You don't wait until they are old enough to ask for milk before you feed them. In the same way it is right to give them spiritual nourishment and teach them about the love of God from an early age. When they are old enough they may choose to be confirmed and to make an adult commitment of faith. Joining a Sunday School and worshipping yourself are tried and tested ways of helping children to grow in faith.
However, you may wish to talk over any doubts and concerns you have with the Vicar or Curate. We will be only too happy to help. There will be a baptism group you can join in which you will be able to talk through some of these issues and find out more about what being a Christian involves. There is also the opportunity for follow-up with further courses which will give you further insights into the Christian faith.
When did baptism start?
Jesus was baptized in the river Jordan. This was a turning point in his life (you can read the account in the Bible: at the beginning of Mark's Gospel in the New Testament). Jesus told his followers to baptize others as a sign that they had turned away from their old life, and begun a new life as his disciples, members of his new community (referred to in the Bible as Jesus' 'Body' ), having been assured of God's forgiveness.
Baptisms often took place in a river. New Christians were dipped under the water, marking their death to an old way of life, and lifted up again as a sign of new birth. Some churches still follow the practice of full immersion in water today.
Making decisions and promises
When you bring your child for baptism, you will be asked to declare publicly, on behalf of your child, that you believe in God and that you will bring your child up to follow Jesus.
You will be asked to answer, on your child's behalf, that you have decided to turn away from everything which is evil or sinful and to turn instead towards Christ.
The declarations made by you and the child's godparents will be made in front of the church congregation and so it is important that you not only understand but also believe in and practise what you are saying. The Christian community will promise to support you and to pray for you and your child.
For example during the service, you will be asked to make the following declarations:
Do you reject the devil and all rebellion against God?
(Parents and godparents:) I reject them.
Do you renounce the deceit and corruption of evil?
(Parents and godparents:) I renounce them.
Do you repent of the sins that separate us from God and neighbour?
(Parents and godparents:) I repent of them.
Do you turn to Christ as Saviour?
(Parents and godparents:) I turn to Christ.
Do you submit to Christ as Lord?
(Parents and godparents:) I submit to Christ.
Do you come to Christ, the way, the truth and the life?
(Parents and godparents:) I come to Christ.
Understanding what these promises entail is important not only to avoid misunderstandings but to safeguard your own integrity. Baptism preparation will help you avoid both these.
Thanksgiving
Having read the above declarations you may feel that you are not ready to make them. In that case you may wish to ask about having an alternative service of Thanksgiving for the Gift of a Child. In this service, you thank God for the gift of your child and the child is dedicated to God. You do not make the same promises as in the Baptism service. This service can be arranged at your convenience and doesn't have to take place within a Sunday service.
If you choose to have a Thanksgiving, you may also have a Baptism service for your child at a later date.
What happens in the Baptism service?
Normally your child's baptism will take place during the main Sunday service (usually in the morning). This is so that your child can be seen to be joining the Community of Faith, the family of God, and be welcomed into membership. In turn, the Church will promise to support and pray for you and your child. The Vicar or Curate will make sure you know where to sit and when you need to move. Some parts of the service will be for you and the whole congregation to join in, some will be for you and the godparents.
For the baptism itself, parents and godparents will be asked by the priest to gather at the front of the church around the font (a large basin mounted on a wooden stand). This contains the water for baptism.
The minister will ask the parents and godparents to make declarations on behalf of the child (see the order of service below).
Important symbols
A number of important symbols will be used during the service itself:
The sign of the cross The minister will make the sign of the cross on your child's forehead. This is like an invisible badge to show that Christians are united with Jesus and must not be ashamed to stand up for their faith in him.
The minister says: 'I sign you with the cross, the sign of Christ.' And turning to the congregation says:
'Do not be ashamed to confess the faith of Christ crucified.' To which the congregation replies:
Fight valiantly under the banner of Christ
against sin, the world, and the devil,
and continue his faithful soldier and servant
to the end of your life.
The minsiter may invite you and/or the godparents to sign the cross on the child's forehead.
Water The minsiter will pour water on your child's head. Water is a sign of washing and cleansing. In baptism it is a sign of being washed free from sin and beginning a new life with God.
Water is a sign of life, but also a symbol of death. When we are baptized our old life is buried in the waters (like drowning or placed in the ground) and we are raised to new life with Christ.
(Anointing In some churches after baptism in the water, the priest/minsiter may anoint the child with oil. This is a sign of the outpouring of God's Holy Spirit.)
The welcome The church congregation will say some formal words of welcome to acknowledge that your child has joined the Christian Community (the Church) and to show how pleased they are to have you among them.
Candles Jesus is called the light of the world. A large candle may be lit in the church as a sign of Jesus' presence and you may be given a lighted candle at the end of the service as a reminder of the light which has come into your child's life. (Remember however that that 'light' must be kept alight by your example and prayers. This is where good godparents can be a blessing).
Godparents and the Christian Community to help your child reject the world of darkness and follow a way of life that reflects goodness and light, and shares this light with others.
Frequently asked questions
Q. What is the difference between baptism and christening?
A. None, they are just different words for the same thing although christening, in practice, is used to differentiate infant from adult baptism which is sometimes by full imersion.
Q. Can we have a private service of baptism?
A. Baptisms (apart from exceptional circumstances) take place in the church's main service, because they are a public declaration that your child has become a part of the Christian Community, the Church. It is important that that community is there to support you and welcome your child.
Q. What is the right age for baptism?
A. Baptism can happen at any age. In many ways it is preferable to wait until the person is old enough and serious enough to profess the Christian faith for him/herself. However if parents are active in their faith and wish their child to share that faith with them, then infant baptism is a viable option.
Speak to the Vicar or Curate about this. If you are already baptized but would like to renew your commitment to God there are ways of doing this publicly as an adult - either through confirmation (if you are not confirmed) or through the renewal of baptismal vows.
Q. I am not a regular churchgoer. Can I still have my child baptized?
A. Yes. The Church believes that God's love is available to all, regardless of their background, and welcomes everyone who wants to make this important step to faith. However we do request that you begin attending church as often as is possible as a prelude to the baptism and as a sign of your intention to pursue the Christian Faith and thus fulfil the promises you will be making publicly to that effect. It's also an opportunity to familiarize yourself with the christian family (and vice versa) so that come the service you will not be strangers to one another.
The preparation course which precedes the service will help you think this through and what joining the Christian Community (the Church) involves. The aim is to encourage you in your walk with Christ and to do that we all need the help and encouragement of other Christians.
(Again we would remind you that if you feel as you progress that this is not for you and you don't feel ready to make that commitment then why not consider a Service of Thanksgiving (see above). Here you can thank God for the birth of your child and ask for prayers for him/her while giving you time to consider if baptism and all it implies is for you at the pesent time. However you wish to progress the clergy are there to help you make the right decision without compromising your personal integrity or diminishing the sacrament of baptism.)
Q. What does it cost?
A. The Baptism is free although there may be a small administration fee or you may like to make a donation. Ask the Vicar or Curate.
Godparents
Q. What is a godparent?
A. Godparents make the same promises on behalf of the child being baptized as parents do. Godparents promise to pray and support the child and to help the parents to bring up the child in the Christian faith. It is an important and responsible role and should only be given to practising Christians.
Q. How many godparents should I have?
A. You should have at least three. Traditionally two of the same sex as the child and one of the opposite sex.
Q. Who should I choose to be a godparent?
A. Godparents can be family members or friends. However, it is important that you should choose people who will take an interest in your child's spiritual welfare and who will pray for you and your child. They should be baptized practising Christians themselves. Ask the clergy for advice and look up the article below about becoming a godparent.
Q. What do you mean by 'practising christians'?
A. We mean those who are active christians in the sense that they are already worshipping as part of a christian fellowship and showing evidence of believing in and following Jesus - i.e. they worship, pray and obey Jesus' teachings. 
What happens after the baptism?
Baptism marks a new start for your child as a member of the worldwide Christian community. In turn, the local Christian community, the Church, welcomes you and your child and promises to support you in bringing the child up in the faith. We hope to start a children's creche and there is a Mother and Toddler's Group meeting in the Parish Hall on Ystrad Road, Fforestfach (opposite John Long's) on Friday Mornings. There is also a Sunday School which meets during the 11.00 service on Sunday mornings in St.Illtyd's Church. Once a month we have an All Age Communion service where children and families are catered for in the short talk and songs. Please ask for details.
You may also have questions yourself about the Christian faith and there are various groups meeting in the parish and from time to time courses held - for example Alpha - in which you can explore this in a relaxed and friendly environment. We always welcome questions about Christianity. We can also provide a short follow up course called "What next?" which is designed to give you advice for bringing up your child in the faith. Again please ask for details.
We hope your baby's baptism will be a wonderful and memorable occasion and that it will mark the beginning of a long and happy association with the Christians who worship in St. Peter's and St. Illtyd's.
THE BAPTISM OF ADULTS
The baptism of adults is different in that they can speak for themselves and make promises that they have been able to think through and decide they want to keep. Baptism preparation is longer and slightly more involved and we would very much encourage individuals seeking baptism to join an Alpha course and work through one of the Gospels (usually Mark) with the help of a mentor (usually an older christian)
The promises however are the same as that of an infant except of course the adult makes them themselves. Also the water can be sprinkled as in christening, but full emersion is a very powerful symbol in baptism and that can be arranged if requested.
Again please contact the clergy for details.
THE BAPTISM SERVICE
HOLY BAPTISM
Introduction
Our Lord Jesus Christ has told us
that to enter the kingdom of heaven
we must be born again of water and the Spirit,
and has given us baptism as the sign and seal
of this new birth. Here we are washed by the Holy Spirit
and made clean.Here we are clothed with Christ,
dying to sin that we may live his risen life.
As children of God, we have a new dignity
and God calls us to fullness of life.
Liturgy of Baptism
The parents and godparents gather by the font.
[The Minister asks those candidates for baptism
who are able to answer for themselves:
Do you wish to be baptized?
I do.]
Faith is the gift of God to his people.
In baptism the Lord is adding to our number
those whom he is calling.
People of God, will you welcome these children/candidates
and uphold them in their new life in Christ?
With the help of God, we will.
At the baptism of children the minister then says to the parents and godparents:
Parents and godparents, the Church receives these children with joy. Today we are trusting God for their growth in faith. Will you pray for them, draw them by your example into the community of faith and walk with them in the way of Christ?
With the help of God, we will.
In baptism these children begin their journey in faith. You speak
for them today. Will you care for them, and help them
to take their place within the life and worship of Christ’s Church?
With the help of God, we will.
Decision
In baptism, God calls us out of darkness into his marvellous light.
To follow Christ means dying to sin and rising to new life with him. Therefore I ask:
Do you reject the devil and all rebellion against God?
I reject them.
Do you renounce the deceit and corruption of evil?
I renounce them.
Do you repent of the sins that separate us from God and neighbour?
I repent of them.
Do you turn to Christ as Saviour?
I turn to Christ.
Do you submit to Christ as Lord?
I submit to Christ.
Do you come to Christ, the way, the truth and the life?
I come to Christ.
Signing with the cross
The Minister makes the sign of the cross on the forehead of each candidate:
Christ claims you for his own.
Receive the sign of the cross.
Parents, godparents and sponsors may also sign the candidates.
Do not be ashamed to confess the faith of Christ crucified.
Fight valiantly as a disciple of Christ
against sin, the world and the devil,
and remain faithful to Christ to the end of your life.
May almighty God deliver you from the powers of darkness,
restore in you the image of his glory, and lead you in the light
and obedience of Christ. Amen.
Prayer over the water
We thank you, almighty God,
for the gift of water to sustain, refresh and cleanse all life.
Over water the Holy Spirit moved in the beginning of creation.
Through water you led the children of
from slavery in
In water your Son Jesus received the baptism of John
and was anointed by the Holy Spirit as the Messiah,
the Christ, to lead us from the death of sin to newness of life.
We thank you, Father, for the water of baptism.
In it we are buried with Christ in his death.
By it we share in his resurrection.
Through it we are reborn by the Holy Spirit.
Therefore, in joyful obedience to your Son,
we baptize into his fellowship those who come to him in faith.
Now sanctify this water that, by the power of your Holy Spirit,
they may be cleansed from sin and born again.
Renewed in your image,
may they walk by the light of faith
and continue for ever in the risen life of Jesus Christ our Lord;
to whom with you and the Holy Spirit
be all honour and glory, now and for ever. Amen.
Profession of Faith
Brothers and sisters, I ask you to profess together with these candidates the faith of the Church
Do you believe and trust in God the Father?
I believe and trust in God, the Father Almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.
Do you believe and trust in his Son Jesus Christ?
I believe and trust in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried;
he descended to the dead.
On the third day he rose again;
he ascended into heaven,
he is seated at the right hand of the Father,
and he will come to judge the living and the dead.
Do you believe and trust in the Holy Spirit?
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen.
Baptism
If the candidates can answer for themselves the Minister says to each:
N, is this your faith?
This is my faith.
The Minister dips each candidate in water, or pours it over their heads.
N, I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son,
and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
The Minister lays hands on each candidate and pray this or a similar prayer:
May God, who has received you by baptism into his Church,
pour upon you the riches of his grace, that within the company of Christ’s pilgrim people you may daily be renewed by his anointing Spirit, and come to the inheritance of the saints in glory. Amen.
Commission
EITHER: Where there are children being baptized, the Minister addresses the people:
We have brought these children to baptism knowing that Jesus died and rose again for them and trusting in the promise that God hears and answers prayer. We have prayed that in Jesus Christ they will know the forgiveness of their sins and the new life of the spirit.
As they grow up, they will need the help and encouragement of the Christian Community, so that they may learn to know God in public worship and private prayer, follow Jesus Christ in the life of faith, serve their neighbour after the example of Christ, and in due course come to confirmation.
As part of the
Appropriate prayers may follow.
OR: If the baptized are old enough to answer,
these words may be added:
Those who are baptized are called to worship and serve God.
Will you continue in the apostles’ teaching and fellowship,
in the breaking of bread, and in the prayers?
With the help of God, I will.
Will you persevere in resisting evil,
and, whenever you fall into sin, repent and return to the Lord?
With the help of God, I will.
Will you proclaim by word and example
the good news of God in Christ?
With the help of God, I will.
Will you seek and serve Christ in all people,
loving your neighbour as yourself?
With the help of God, I will.
Will you acknowledge Christ’s authority over human society,
by prayer for the world and its leaders,
by defending the weak, and by seeking peace and justice?
With the help of God I will.
May Christ dwell in your heart(s) through faith,
that you may be rooted and grounded in love
and bring forth the fruit of the Spirit. Amen.
The Giving of the Light
The Minister gives a lighted candle to each candidate or one of the godparents.
and has given us a place with the saints in light
You have received the light of Christ;
walk in the light all the days of your life.
Shine as a light in the world
to the glory of God the Father.
Welcome
There is one lord, one faith, one baptism:
N and N, by one Spirit we are all baptized into one body.
We welcome you into the fellowship of faith;
we are children of the same heavenly Father;
we welcome you.
If you you are interested in arranging a baptism please click this form Baptism Application Form read carefully the notes that go with it, and if you want to proceed fill in the form and forward it to Rev Mark Williams on the email address given.
