Baptism (or Christening as it is often called) is the beginning of an individual’s journey of faith in Jesus Christ. Within the Parish of Boxmoor we are very happy to baptise babies as well as those of more mature years. So whether you are thinking of having your child baptised or you would like to make this commitment of faith of yourself we would be very pleased to talk with you. Please contact the Vicar or the Parish Office to have a conversation.
Baptism at St John’s:
Our regular pattern is to Baptise on the 1st and 3rd Sundays of each month at 12.00noon and occasionally during the 10.00am Parish Eucharist. We try, where possible, to have only two families seeking baptism at each service. The Baptism Service (outside the Parish Eucharist) lasts approximately half an hour.
During the Baptism Service the candidate/parents/Godparents make promises on their own behalf and also on behalf of the children. These are important promises and to help prepare for a baptism we will invite you to a baptism preparation meeting, usually held on a Saturday morning or a Wednesday evening, alongside other families who have booked a baptism at St John’s. This will give us a chance to explain what happens during the service and why, and for you to explore the Christian faith more deeply and ask any questions you may have.
Booking a Baptism:
We welcome enquiries for baptism from those who live in the parish, those who are regular worshippers at St John’s, and those who have a prior connection to the parish – i.e. you (the parents) were married at St John’s. To find out whether you have a Qualifying Connection to have a Baptism at St John’s please either contact the Vicar or the Parish Office.
Godparents and Sponsors:
The Church of England requires that Godparents are baptised themselves and that one of your chosen Godparents is a Confirmed member of the Church. Tradition dictates that each child has 3 Godparents (2 of the same gender as the child) however it is also possible to have only 2 Godparents or 4 Godparents (there is only room in the registers for 4 names to be listed). If the people you would like to be Godparents are not baptised it is possible for them to be Sponsors and to fulfil many of the Godparental roles but they will not be recorded as such in the registers.
Fees:
There is no legal Fee for a Baptism but we invite a voluntary donation for the Service of £50 (or whatever can be afforded). This is to help cover our expenses of having an Organist on duty for the Service.