Baptism Information

Baptism is a joyful and significant moment for individuals and families as they begin their journey of faith. At All Saints' Church, Northampton, we are delighted to support you in taking this important step. Whether you are seeking baptism for your child or considering it as an adult, this page provides key information to help you understand the process and what to expect.

Baptism for Children

What is Baptism? Baptism is a sacred act where we welcome a child into the family of God. Through water and prayer, it signifies cleansing, new life, and God's love and grace.

Who Can Be Baptized? Baptism is open to any child whose parents or guardians wish to raise them in the Christian faith. You don't need to be a regular churchgoer to have your child baptized, but we encourage families to attend a service at All Saints' Church to become familiar with our community.

The Baptism Service. Baptisms at All Saints' typically take place during one of our Sunday services. This allows the whole congregation to welcome the newest member of our church family. The service includes:

•	Prayers and promises made by parents and godparents.
•	The symbolic act of water being poured on the child's head.
•	A special blessing for the child and family.

Godparents. Godparents play a vital role in supporting the child's spiritual growth. Each child should have at least three godparents, traditionally two of the same gender as the child and one of the opposite gender. Godparents must themselves be baptized and ideally confirmed.

How to Arrange a Baptism

1.	Contact Us: Reach out to the church office to express your interest and schedule an initial meeting.
2.	Preparation Meeting: We will invite you to a short meeting to discuss the meaning of baptism and answer any questions.
3.	Choose a Date: Baptisms are scheduled during Sunday services or at other agreed-upon times.

A Baptism & Confirmation at All Saints'

Baptism for Adults

Exploring Faith as an Adult. If you were not baptized as a child but feel drawn to the Christian faith, we welcome you to take this step. Adult baptism often takes place as part of preparation for confirmation, a sacrament where you affirm your faith and receive the Holy Spirit.

The Process

1.	Initial Conversation: Speak with a member of our clergy to share your faith journey and discuss baptism.
2.	Preparation Classes: Join our confirmation preparation classes, which provide a deeper understanding of Christian beliefs and practices.
3.	The Baptism and Confirmation Service: Christian initiation for adults is usually celebrated within a special service led by the bishop, allowing you to publicly affirm your faith and commitment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a cost for baptism? No, baptism is a free gift from God and the church. However, donations are always welcome to support the ministry of All Saints' Church.

Can we have a private baptism? While we encourage baptisms during public services, private ceremonies can be arranged in special circumstances. Please discuss this with the clergy.

What if we're not sure about our faith? Baptism is a step of faith, but it's also the beginning of a journey. If you have questions or doubts, we are here to support you. Come and talk to us—there's no pressure or expectation.

We look forward to walking with you on this meaningful path. To learn more or to schedule a baptism, please contact our church office or join one of our Sunday services and speak to a member of clergy afterwards.