If you are mature enough to make your own decisions and you’ve decided you’d like to be baptized, you’ll have a baptism service that is designed for adults.

You may have been coming to church for a while and want to make a more definite commitment in terms of your Christian faith. For adults and young people, baptism usually takes place shortly before, or at the same time, as confirmation. Confirmation is the service when those who have previously been baptized affirm those promises and are specially prayed for by a Bishop.

Adult baptism is a response to God’s love – a desire and a commitment to respond to God’s call to follow the example of Jesus Christ. It is also a celebration, a time to come together with family and friends; remembering that you are loved by God, are part of a wider community and have a place with God’s people. The baptism service is similar to the service for a child’s baptism, except that because you make the decision and the promises yourself, there is no role required for parents or godparents (who make decisions and promises on behalf of a child). You may decide to have supporting friends or ‘sponsors’ – this can be anyone who wishes to encourage you in your Christian faith. It may be a friend, or someone in your family and you may have more than one person if you wish.

At the point you are baptized, you may be either fully immersed in water, or, you may simply have water poured or wiped on your head. The vicar will discuss with you how you want the service to be.  Your will need to attend a preparation course that will help you think about this new beginning.

If you are considering being baptized, and would like more information, talk to a member of clergy who will be delighted to help.