Who may be baptised?
Babies, children, older children and adults are all welcome to enquire.
A Sacrament of New Life
Baptism in the Parish
We are delighted to welcome babies, children and adults for Baptism. In this holy Sacrament, God joins us to Christ, welcomes us into his Church and begins in us a new life of grace.
“I have called you by name; you are mine.” Isaiah 43:1
Baptism at a Glance
The principal information for families and candidates
Usual Sunday
Baptisms normally take place within Parish Mass on the third Sunday of the month.
Other arrangements
Where there is good reason, a separate Baptism may be offered on the first Saturday of the month.
Is there a fee?
No. Baptism is a gift of God’s grace and there is no charge.
A Word of Welcome
The beginning of a new life in Christ
Baptism is more than a family ceremony
In Baptism, God makes us his children, joins us to Christ and his Church, washes away sin and gives us the grace to live as his faithful people.
Baptism is sometimes called Christening. There is no difference between the two: the Church more usually uses the word Baptism.
Whether you are asking about Baptism for your baby, your child or yourself, you are very welcome. You are not a burden and you are not intruding.
Signs of the Sacrament
The Church uses simple, visible signs to proclaim the invisible grace God gives in Baptism.
When and Where?
Baptism normally takes place within the worshipping life of the parish
St Matthew’s, Ashford
Third Sunday at the 09:30 Parish Mass
Church RoadAshford, Middlesex
TW15 2NY
St Mary the Virgin, Stanwell
Third Sunday at the 11:00 Parish Mass
Church ApproachStanwell, Middlesex
TW19 7JS
Separate Saturday Baptisms: where there is a good reason for Baptism to take place outside Mass, it may be offered on the first Saturday of the month: at 11:00 at St Mary’s or 16:30 at St Matthew’s. Dates are confirmed with the priest during preparation.
How to Arrange a Baptism
A simple and supportive process
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Make an enquiry
Complete the form below or contact the Parish Office. You are welcome to ask questions before making any decision.
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Join us at Mass
Before a date is confirmed, we normally ask families to attend the Parish Mass on at least two Sundays.
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Meet the priest
We will discuss what Baptism means, the promises being made, godparents and any preparation that is needed.
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Confirm the date
Once preparation is under way, the church, service and Baptism date can be agreed with the parish.
You may make an enquiry at any time. Baptism belongs within the life of the Church, so the two-Sunday expectation is part of preparation rather than a barrier to making first contact.
Understanding Baptism
Open each section to read more
Who can be baptised?
Babies and young children are baptised in the faith of the Church. Their parents and godparents make the Baptism promises on their behalf and undertake to bring them up in the practice of the Christian faith.
Older children are prepared carefully and gently so that they can understand and take part in the service with reverence and joy.
Adults seeking Baptism are always welcome. Their preparation is naturally fuller because they make the promises of faith for themselves.
What does Baptism mean?
Baptism is the first step in a lifelong journey with God. Through Baptism:
- we are claimed for Christ by the sign of the cross;
- we are born again by water and the Holy Spirit;
- we are freed from sin and brought into the life of grace;
- we are welcomed into the Church, the Body of Christ;
- we are called to live as disciples of Jesus.
Baptism is therefore both a joyful gift and a serious Christian commitment.
What promises are made?
Those making the Baptism promises renounce sin, reject evil and profess the faith of the Church.
At the Baptism of a child, the promises are made by the parents and godparents. They promise before God and the Church to help the child grow in faith through prayer, example and faithful worship.
Adults make these promises personally.
What happens in the Baptism service?
The Rite of Baptism normally includes:
- the welcome and naming of the person to be baptised;
- the sign of the cross;
- readings from Holy Scripture and prayer;
- prayers for the candidate, family and Church;
- the renunciation of sin and profession of faith;
- the blessing of the baptismal water;
- Baptism with water in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit;
- anointing with holy chrism;
- the white garment and baptismal candle;
- concluding prayers and blessing.
These signs reveal the great gift God is giving: new birth in Christ.
Do we need to come to church?
Yes, because Baptism belongs within the life of the Church. Asking for a child to be baptised is asking for that child to begin life as a Christian within the worshipping community.
It is therefore important that there is a genuine intention to pray, worship and grow in faith. Adults seeking Baptism are likewise expected to worship regularly and prepare carefully.
What happens after Baptism?
Baptism is the beginning, not the end. The newly baptised person is called to grow in prayer, holiness and love within the life of the Church.
Children should be brought to Mass, taught to pray and helped to know God’s love. Adults continue their journey within the sacramental life of the Church.
In time, the journey normally leads towards deeper discipleship, Confirmation and Holy Communion.
Is there a charge for Baptism?
No. There is no fee for Baptism. It is a gift of God’s grace and is never bought or sold.
Families who wish to make a voluntary offering to support the life and ministry of the parish may do so, but there is no obligation.
Choosing Godparents
A real and lasting spiritual responsibility
To be asked to be a godparent is both an honour and a responsibility. Godparents stand alongside the child, profess the faith of the Church and help the child grow in the life of Christ.
A godparent is not simply a witness or family representative. They undertake to pray for their godchild, encourage them in Christian faith, help them learn to pray and worship, and offer an example of Christian life.
This responsibility begins at Baptism but continues as the child grows. Remembering a Baptism anniversary, keeping in contact and supporting the child towards Confirmation can all be part of this lasting relationship.
Godparents are not expected to be perfect, but they should take the Christian faith seriously and be willing to live it with sincerity and care.
Baptism Guides and Application Form
Interactive information to read online or share
Our interactive web eBooks provide fuller information about Baptism and the role of godparents. The application form is available separately when you are ready to proceed.
Baptism Information
Open our interactive online guide for adults and families enquiring about Baptism in the parish.
Open the Baptism eBook — interactive webpage opens in a new tabBeing a Godparent
Open our interactive online guide to the promises, qualifications and continuing role of a godparent.
Open the Godparents eBook — interactive webpage opens in a new tabBaptism Application
The fuller paper form used when proceeding with a formal Baptism application.
Download the application form — PDF opens in a new tabBaptism Enquiry
Begin the conversation with the Parish Office
Complete the form below and the Parish Office will contact you to discuss Baptism, preparation and the next available opportunities. Making an enquiry does not commit you to a particular date.
The information you provide will be used to respond to your enquiry and discuss the possible arrangement of a Baptism. The Parish Office may also be contacted at office@smam.org.uk or on 01784 259093 .
A Final Word
The Church is always glad to speak with those who are seeking God for themselves or for their children.
Even when you are uncertain, have questions or do not know where to begin, please come and speak to us. You will be very welcome.
“Let the little children come to me; do not stop them.” Mark 10:14
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