Baptisms

To bring a new life into the world is both a great privilege and also an immense responsibility. It's that awareness that leads many people to want to express their gratitude to God. However there's much more to baptism than saying thank you to God!

Baptism is a sign of belonging - to God, through his son, Jesus Christ and to his people, the Church. Baptism is an important step in deciding that you want your child to belong to the family of God. It's the first step on what we hope will be a journey of faith which we pray will become increasingly important to your child.

Preparing the Way

Before taking on any commitment you need to know what's involved - that applies to baptism as much as to anything else.

You can be baptized at any age; adult baptism is a public declaration, a pledge, of personal faith in Jesus Christ. Adult baptism usually takes place within a service of confirmation over which a bishop will preside. The baptismal promises to turn to Christ, repent of sin, and renounce evil are made by the candidate and the Bishop lays hands on them, praying for the gift of the Holy Spirit.

At the baptism of a child, the baptismal promises are made on the candidate's behalf by parents and Godparents as the child is welcomed into the family of God.


Parents and Godparents

Parents and Godparents play a central role in the baptism of a child. It is a good idea to check that your chosen Godparents, who must also be baptised, feel able to make the promises before others in public. Traditionally a child has three Godparents although this is not always the case.


Thanksgiving Service

If parents or Godparents feel unable at this stage to make the promises and commitments involved, we are pleased to offer as an alternative a service of Thanksgiving.


When do baptisms take place?

Baptisms often take place on a Saturday at a time arranged to suit the family and the baptising priest. However, we encourage families to consider having their child baptised at our main service on a Sunday, a reminder that baptism is the means by which we become members of the church.


How much do baptisms cost?

There are no fees associated with being baptised in either of our churches, but we do invite you to make a donation towards the work of the church in these communities.


What next?

Please make contact with Fr David to discuss available dates. Once a date has been agreed, Fr David will arrange to meet you and talk about the baptism service. We encourage you to try and attend our church service on at least one Sunday in the weeks running up to your child's baptism.


Find out more...

You can find out more about baptisms by visiting the Church of England's website, for content on the Christening of Children and Adult Baptism.

CONTACT US

If you would like to find out more about the work of our parish or our worship services, please contact our Parish Priest - Fr David Gill...

01594 542952

The Rectory, The Stenders, Mitcheldean, Glos. Gl17 0HX

SAFEGUARDING

Our Parish takes its duty and obligation to protect all extremely seriously. Information about safeguarding in the Diocese of Gloucester is available on the Diocesan website »

The Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor (DSA) is Brett Riches - 07944 680320

Our Parish Safeguarding Officer is Sheila Baker - 07986 634591 or 01594 543522

OUR CHURCHES

Mitcheldean Church is open daily 8am until 4pm. Abenhall Church is open to visitors by arrangement with the church warden. (Contact Sheila Baker on 01594 543522).

The Church of St. Michael & All Angels
High Street, Mitcheldean, Gloucestershire, GL17 0HU. Find Us »

The Church of St. Michael
Abenhall, Gloucestershire, GL17 0SQ. Find Us »

WORSHIP

Join us at our regular worship services. Find out more here »

Sunday 11am - Parish Eucharist @ Mitcheldean

First & Third Sunday 3pm - Holy Communion @ Abenhall

Weekdays 8.45am - Morning Prayer @ Mitcheldean or in our neighbouring parishes of Blaisdon, Longhope or Huntley - Contact Us for details