htt …Holy Baptism is offered to parishioners, that is those who live in the parish or worship regularly with us. In infant baptism the parents and godparents promise to to encourage and lead the child in the life and faith of the church by prayer, example, teaching and love. This cannot be done without attendance at church where the whole family learns about God’s love and the way of life of following Jesus.
Most baptisms are “infant baptisms” held at 4pm on Sunday afternoons. After the promises and vows have been made on their behalf the minister will make a sign of the cross on the child’s forehead and pour water on their head in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. A Prayer of Thanksgiving is said for the child during a 9.45 Family Service on a previous Sunday so that the wider church can welcome the new member into the church family. Alternatively a baptism could take place during an 11.30 Morning Prayer service if the candidate’s family are more familier with the traditional liturgy of the Church of Ireland.
You will be invited to attend a meeting to prepare you for baptism. This will help you understand the words and symbols which will be used in the service.
All parents and godparents must themselves have been baptised.
We are sometimes asked to host a baptism for child from another parish because of family connections. In these cases permission from the minister of the parish in which the candidate lives will need to be obtained before the baptism is arranged. If you do not have a link with a local church then baptism is a good opportunity to introduce yourself to a local congregation.
Occassionaly we baptise adults, often by full immersion in water. These are conducted either by a minister or by the Bishop and may take place alongside a service of confirmation where adults personally confirm the promises made for them at their baptism as children.
If you are considering being baptised or wish to present your child for baptism please complete the application form and email the Parish Office to let us know info@holywoodparishchurch.co.uk. The date of the baptism will be arranged at the convenience of the minister responsible although family commitments will be taken into account.
