Please contact the Parish Office for information about the next scheduled Service of Holy Baptism.

We are delighted that you are considering Holy Baptism for your child. Baptism is one of the most significant sacraments of the Christian Church. Through it we celebrate God’s grace, welcome a child into the family of Christ, and begin a lifelong journey of faith within the Church.

Holy Baptism marks the beginning of a child’s Christian pilgrimage. Together with their family and the wider Church community, the child is nurtured in faith, worship, and discipleship. This journey finds its fulfilment in Confirmation, when, having been instructed in the Christian faith, the young person is able to make their own public profession of faith and commit themselves to following Christ.

At the Baptism service, parents make solemn promises before God and the Church to bring up their child in the Christian faith. They undertake to teach their child to know and love Christ, to encourage regular worship, prayer, and participation in the life of the Church, and to lead by the example of their own Christian lives.

For this reason, at least one parent should be a baptised, practising Christian who is actively involved in the worship and life of the Church. If neither parent is presently able, in good conscience, to make these promises, we encourage you to speak with one of our clergy. In some circumstances, it may be more appropriate to celebrate the Service of Thanksgiving for the Birth of a Child from the Anglican Prayer Book. This is a beautiful service of thanksgiving and blessing that does not require the baptismal promises.

The Canons of the Anglican Church require that there should be a reasonable expectation that a baptised child will be brought up as a practising Christian. Where there is serious doubt that this commitment can be fulfilled, the Baptism may be postponed until such time as these concerns have been addressed or until the child is able to make their own profession of faith.

The Scriptures and the Baptism Liturgy emphasise the responsibility of parents and godparents to nurture children in the Christian faith. To assist families in preparing for this important occasion, St Thomas’ Anglican Church requires parents and godparents to attend a Baptism Preparation Session. These sessions provide an opportunity to explore the meaning of Baptism, renew one’s own commitment to Christ, and understand the responsibilities of raising a child within the fellowship of the Church.

Before proceeding with an application for Baptism, we ask that you carefully reflect on the promises made during the service, particularly the Renunciation and the Profession of Faith. These affirm your commitment to reject evil, to follow Jesus Christ faithfully, and to bring up your child as a practising Christian.

If, after prayerful consideration, this is the commitment you desire to make for yourselves and your child, it will be our joy and privilege to welcome your child through Holy Baptism into the family of God.

As Baptism is the sacrament of incorporation into the Body of Christ, it is ordinarily celebrated during a public service of worship so that the congregation may welcome and support the newly baptised. At St Thomas’ Anglican Church, Holy Baptism is normally celebrated during one of our Sunday Eucharistic services.

For further information, to enquire about upcoming Baptism dates, or to arrange a meeting with one of the clergy, please contact the Parish Office. We look forward to walking this journey of faith with you and your family.