Baptism is a most precious and holy Sacrament of the Church. In baptism we are born again into a new and close relationship with God through participating in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Baptism is a gift from God to his people. At the baptism service we are also anointed and blessed.
In baptism we begin our lives as Christians in the Church; it is the responsibility of parents and godparents to give children who have been baptised as babies the opportunity to learn more about their faith, to learn to go to church and present themselves for Confirmation.
Godparents should therefore be chosen with some care. Think about whether you have someone amongst your relatives, friends or acquaintances whom you trust, and who has a live link with a church. It does not necessarily have to be a Church of England church; it might be any Christian church.
Confirmation is the completion of baptism; the Bishop comes and lays his hands on our heads, and admits us to the sacrament of the Holy Communion. If you are 12 or over and interested in being Confirmed, please speak to one of the clergy.
You can read more about baptism at the Church of England’s Christening Project.
Children at St Stephen’s
At Stephen’s we have a Sunday School called Footsteps, as well as a crèche facility. These run during our main service on Sundays (10am). If you are interested in placing your child there, please come and talk to the Vicar or just join us for one of our regular services and have look at what ‘being part of the church’ means.
If you are thinking about bringing your child for baptism but decide you would prefer to let them make their own mind up when they are old enough, we also offer a service of thanksgiving and blessing for a child.
