Baptism
Any parent residing in the parish can request a baptism for their child. Baptisms usually take place at 12:15 on Sundays. A baptism can also be arranged during the 10:30 Eucharist or All-Age Service on the 3rd Sunday of the month. Please contact the Rector to arrange a suitable date at least 4 – 6 weeks before you would like to have the baptism.
If parents live outside the parish, the baptism can go ahead if they fulfil one of the following criteria:
- They lived until recently in Pontesbury Parish.
- They were married at St. George’s Church.
- One of the parents or a sibling of the candidate was baptised at St. George’s Church.
- They have been regular worshippers at St. George’s Church for at least six months before the baptism enquiry.
- A grandparent of the candidate lives (or has lived until recently) in Pontesbury Parish.
Anyone not residing in the parish should obtain permission from the vicar of their home parish in order for the baptism to take place here.
We welcome enquiries from adults who also wish to be baptised.
In baptism, we thank God for his gift of life and publicly acknowledge his love. It is sometimes known as christening.
Baptism is a ‘sacrament’ (holy ritual to symbolise grace) that can be traced back to Jesus himself being baptised in the river Jordan.
Once you have booked your baptism, you will be invited to attend a baptism preparation evening along with other parents, nearer the time of the baptism.
There is a form for you to complete which you can download here.
Is there a fee?
There is no charge made for a baptism. However, at the service, you and your guests will be invited to make a contribution to the upkeep of the church. If you are a tax payer and make a donation through gift aid, we are able to reclaim any tax that has already been paid.
For your Godparents
Congratulations on being asked to be a Godparent; they are very important people! It means that your friends or relations think you’ll be a good example for their child. They trust you to pray for them, speak to them about God and encourage them in their Christian faith.
Godparents must have been baptised themselves, though they need not be confirmed.
You will be expected to attend the child’s baptism, where you will make promises to help to bring them up in the Christian faith. It’s a role that will develop over time, as your godchild grows up and develops in their faith. However, being asked to be a godparent is a good opportunity to think about your own faith.
If you have any questions at all, please use the Booking Form here.
