We hold many baptisms (often called a Christening) in our church and take a lot of care to make them special for the children and families concerned. Each baptism is a celebration of the joy that our children give us; the recognition that they are part of God’s family with us; and the profound experience of gratitude to God for their presence in our lives.
Baptisms can take place during the 10.00am Service on a Sunday. This is a full service with hymns, reading, address, prayers, as well as the baptism and communion - and reflects our understanding that baptism is at the heart of our church life. The service is attended by regular members of our congregation; that gives the sense of the church family receiving new members into its midst. Alternatively a separate service at 12.30pm can be arranged. Our policy is only to have children from one family baptised in a service.
The choice of Godparents for your child is a very important one. So that they are able to provide the necessary spiritual support for your child, as well as being there for them generally, we ask that all Godparents have been Baptised themselves and that at least one of them (or you yourselves) have been Confirmed.
To arrange a baptism service for your child please contact the Vicar, Reverend Martin Colton on 01737 241161. You can also e-mail him at vicar@stmarksreigate.co.uk or complete our enquiry form.
Thanksgiving
Some parents might want to celebrate the gift of a child in a different way without the commitment that baptism involves. During the Thanksgiving service parents and families give thanks for the birth or adoption of a child and everyone prays for family life. It can take place in church with the congregation, or with just family and friends gathered, or elsewhere such as at home, or even in hospital.
A Thanksgiving Service is not a Baptism. There are no promises to make about the Christian faith. The child will be blessed and prayed for, and supporting friends will promise to support the parents in bringing up their baby.
To find out more about a Thanksgiving Service please contact the Vicar.
Adult Baptism
Baptism is not just for children! You may be looking at this site because you want to be baptised yourself. People who have not been baptised as infants may be baptised at any age. As an adult this will normally mean that you will be baptised and confirmed at the same service, but this is not always the case. If you wish to be baptised please talk with the Vicar about how to become involved in the church and to take this important step in your spiritual journey.
For more information about baptism please click here.