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Baptism or 'Christening'
What is Baptism? Baptism is when a person publicly acknowledges his or her faith in Jesus Christ and is the beginning of their membership of the Christian Church. When children who are not old enough to answer for themselves are baptised, their parents and Godparents answer for them (see below).
Baptism is a service of initiation into the Church of God, not into the Church of England or any particular denomination. A baptism in All Saints will be recognised by most Christian denominations, including all those represented in Evesham.
Who can be baptised? As a parish, we have an open baptism policy and are happy to baptise any adult who lives in the parish and who expresses a desire to follow Christ. Adult baptism always takes place after a period of preparation, which is usually held alongside those who are preparing for confirmation. Those who are being baptised are also encouraged to take this further step of confirmation.
Similarly we will baptise any child whose family lives in the parish. Children are always supported at baptism by their parent(s) and/or guardian(s) and usually by Godparents. These adults are asked publicly to
- acknowledge their own faith,
- to bring up the child(ren) within the family of the Church and
- encourage them to consider confirmation when they are older and can make their own Christian commitment.
We provide preparation for baptism for the child's family and Godparents so that they are aware of the significance of the purpose of the service, and can be offered the help and support of the local Church as they seek to carry out the promises made in the service. This preparation begins with a series of visits made by a member of our Baptism Team, who will also be present at the Baptism Service. There will also be a visit by one of the clergy.
Baptisms take place on a Sunday during the main service at 10.00 am.
As baptism is part of a process of belonging to the church, candidates are encouraged to come to church if they do not already do so.
If you would like more information, please scroll down to the bottom of the page and complete the enquiry form. Alternatively, contact us. The first point of contact will be the Church Office (01386) 442213 office@evesham.church
For further information visit the Church of England's "Life Events" page. Our Baptism policy can be downloaded here.
Confirmation and Holy Communion
There is no right age for a person to be confirmed. Anyone may be
confirmed who has been baptized, if they are old enough to answer
responsibly for themselves.
In many dioceses, however, the diocesan bishop has set a minimum age for Confirmation. As a general rule anyone who is over 10 years old and can answer for themselves could be ready for Confirmation but the right time for you might be at any age. Young people mature in their faith in different ways and at different ages.
It is important that you come to Confirmation with firm personal conviction that it is right for you at this point in your life. You should pray about this and ask others in your church to pray for you.
Please talk to our vicar and even if you are unsure about being confirmed you may wish to participate in the confirmation course to explore your faith further as you think about it.
In many dioceses, however, the diocesan bishop has set a minimum age for Confirmation. As a general rule anyone who is over 10 years old and can answer for themselves could be ready for Confirmation but the right time for you might be at any age. Young people mature in their faith in different ways and at different ages.
It is important that you come to Confirmation with firm personal conviction that it is right for you at this point in your life. You should pray about this and ask others in your church to pray for you.
Please talk to our vicar and even if you are unsure about being confirmed you may wish to participate in the confirmation course to explore your faith further as you think about it.
