Baptism is a precious gift given by God through the Church. As parents you have the privilege of presenting your child to receive this gift, a gift that will last a lifetime and beyond. Baptism is the gift of new life, the eternal life of our Risen Lord, Jesus Christ.  This gift is a sacrament, an encounter with Christ himself, it is the moment he comes to us through the power of the Holy Spirit and acts within us.

We thank you for requesting the Sacrament of Baptism for your child as we always delight in welcoming new members into the Church community.

To discuss having your child Baptized, please contact Fr Geoffrey or Deacon Cyril

The Signs and Symbolism of Baptism

Sign of the Cross

A sign on something shows its origins or ownership. The sign of the cross is the mark of Christians for Jesus Christ died on the cross. This is traced on the child’s forehead to show that the baby belongs to Christ, who now offers his help and grace to face and overcome the sufferings of life

Water

This is for cleansing and is a sign that our sins are washed away. Baptism cleanses us of original sin with which we are all born and, in the baptism of adults, of every sin committed prior to baptism. Water is also necessary for life and so is a sign, too, that the life of the risen Christ is ours.

Oils

Oil of Baptism is olive oil rubbed on the breast of the baby, just as athletes used to rub themselves with oil to strengthen and prepare for the fight ahead. Oil of Chrism is a mixture of olive oil and balsam (sweet-smelling ointment) and is rubbed on the crown of the head. It is a sign of sealing with the gifts of the Holy Spirit. The profession of faith which you make on behalf of your child at baptism will later be confirmed personally by your child in the sacrament of confirmation when Oil of Chrism will be used again. The oils are blessed by Archbishop John  during the Chrism Mass each year at Southwark Cathedral.

White Garment

Besides being useful for protection and warmth, clothes often express who we are and what we aspire to be. The colour white symbolises resurrection; in dressing the newly baptised in a white garment we are acknowledging that the life of the Resurrected Jesus and that His spirit is within them.

Candles

These symbolize Christ – the Light of the World. The baptismal candle is lit from the Paschal Candle, which stands near the Baptismal Font and on the Altar at Easter as a sign of the risen Christ. The baptismal candle reminds us that the light of Christ has entered the child’s life; and its flame symbolizes the flame of faith which will burn through the life of your child.