Salford Churches
Baptism / Christening
Baptism
When someone is baptised, that person is brought to Jesus Christ, and made a member of Christ's Church. It is a new start to life in which the baptised person is accepted and sealed by God with the Holy Spirit to represent Christ to the world.
As part of the baptism service, we declare our faith and intention to serve Christ, and ask for God's continuing grace to support us in the task, to which we are called. When a baptism is of a baby or a child, the baptised
receives the love and shared faith of the family to grow up into Christ.
Through prayer and fellowship within the body of Christ, God strengthens and nourishes us. Jesus Christ came that we might have life, and
have it in all its fullness.
Thanksgiving for the gift of a child
This service provides an opportunity for parents and families to give thanks for the birth or adoption of a child and to offer prayer for family
life. It can take place in the church or at home or any other suitable
setting. This service has no connection with Baptism, which is the sacrament of initiation into the Church, the body of Christ, but it is sometimes felt to be more appropriate by some parents for their children.
Confirmation & Renewal of Baptismal Vows
This is an opportunity for someone to make for themselves the promises made at Baptism and is usually an adult commitment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q - How do I arrange a baptism for my child?
A - Contact one of the clergy who will be able to meet with you to discuss what Baptism entails and the practical arrangements.
A - Contact one of the clergy who will be able to meet with you to discuss what Baptism entails and the practical arrangements.
Q - Where can we hold the baptism?
A - Baptism usually takes place in your local parish church during the main Sunday service. If you have a particular link with a church other than the
one where you live, it may be possible to arrange a baptism at that church: talk to the clergy.
Q - How can I find out more about baptism and the Christian faith?
A - In our churches the clergy are happy to talk to people one-to-one and we often have small discussion groups you can
join in with. Also you can come along to church - don't be afraid to come along with a baby or a child: we welcome children in all our churches.
Q - I was baptised as a baby but would like to be baptised again - is this possible?
A - In the Church of England we see Baptism as a once and for always service marking God's commitment
to us. However, you may wish to consider confirmation which is an opportunity for us to express our commitment to God. Renewal of Baptismal Vows is another possibility. Please contact one of the clergy to discuss
these options.
Q - How much does baptism cost?
A - There's not usually a charge for the service but as at any of our services we welcome donations and these donations enable the church to continue to
serve the community.
Q - Can we take photos or videos through the service?
A - Talk to the clergy but in most of our churches we like to avoid too much distraction during the service but are very happy to pose
for photos afterwards.
Q - When can the baptism take place?
A - Most of our churches have baptisms on a particular Sunday in the month so you'll need to talk to the clergy in order to book a date. In most churches
they take place during the main Sunday morning service but check the individual churches for more details