Baptism Policy

The Sacrament of Baptism is administered here at Holy Trinity both to children and adults.  We believe that it is a wonderful moment not only for the individual and their family, but also for us as a Christian Community.  To this end Baptism takes place during the 1100hrs Parish Eucharist when the whole body of the Church is present to welcome the new member of the Church.

As the Parish Church, it is our privilege to Baptise the children of parents living in the parish.  We also believe that we have the responsibility for Baptising the children of those who regularly worship here and who indicate their involvement with our congregation by being on our Church Electoral Roll.

In the case of adults, Baptism is normally administered at the same time as Confirmation.

Those with past connections with this Church – perhaps because they were married here, or because they have family still living or worshipping in the parish, or they themselves used to worship here – often wish the Baptism of their children to take place in Holy Trinity, even though they no longer live in the parish or worship here.  We believe, however, that Baptism is not about a family’s past, but about the child’s future with God.  We would wish to encourage past members of this church to have their children baptised in the Parish Church where they now live and where they will live out the Baptismal vows with their child.

We understand that this causes some disappointment, especially to grandparents.  We hope that people in this position will understand that we have formulated this policy to affirm the new family that is being created and to encourage them to be involved with their own Parish Church and its ministry.

We have asked our clergy not to make exceptions to this practice, except in the case of those in HM Forces or those on fixed overseas contracts, whose normal home or place of worship is in this Parish.

Baptism is an outpouring of the Holy Spirit of God.  We ask you to pray for those who have been Baptised in our church and for those who are seeking this Sacrament.

Holy Trinity Parochial Church Council

October 1993