We welcome the baptism of children and adults. If you are considering sharing that special moment with Trumpington Parish Church, please contact the Vicar: stmarystmichael55@gmail.com.
Baptism prompts questions due to its spiritual depth. Parents often inquire what the service means and will involve.
The FAQ’s section is designed to offer concise answers, helping individuals to understand more about the nature of baptism.
There is no difference. Both refer to the same service.
It is usual to have between two and four Godparents. They should be baptised and mature enough to understand their special role of encouraging your child’s spiritual life.
There is no charge for baptism. Some families like to leave a donation and a plate is left out for this purpose. This is a voluntary gift.
The person being baptised joins a community of believers. This is not a step that should be taken lightly. Parents who cannot in conscience make the promises and declarations of faith may prefer the Service of Thanksgiving. This is an opportunity for parents to give thanks to God for the gift of their child. The minister prays for God’s blessing and prays that the child will come “to the fullness of faith”.
Yes – a member of the clergy will make a time to meet with you to discuss the baptism of your child. This is a marvellous opportunity to ask questions and consolidate your own faith. It will always be your choice as to whether you have a Baptism or a Service of Thanksgiving.
We welcome adults seeking baptism! A personal interview and preparation will be offered for this very special occasion. The interview and preparation will need some time and require space to think without disruption.
This church is much more than an ancient and beautiful venue; it is the home of a lively and committed congregation who will want to support you prayerfully in the months before and after your child’s baptism. It is usual for couples who want their child to be baptised to join us at least once a month for one of our weekly acts of worship. This allows you to get to know us and gain a more balanced understanding of the deep beliefs that underlie the Baptism Service that you are seeking.
We hope that you will continue the practice of regular attendance after your child has been baptised, perhaps coming along to the All Age services.
If you feel ready to enter into this form of commitment one of our clergy will be happy to see you and talk further about the possibility of a service.
We will then agree a date and time for your child’s baptism. This may be either in the context of one of our Sunday morning services or on a Sunday afternoon at a set time, which may be with other families.
For you and the godparents:
Thanking God for his gift of a child
Deciding to start your child on the journey of faith and asking for the Church’s support
Joining the church and expressing your belief in God
For your child:
Beginning a journey in faith
Being welcomed as a member of the world-wide Christian family
Sharing in the death and Resurrection of Jesus in a symbolic way
For the church:
Promising to welcome, support and pray for you and your child
Providing a worshipping community where you and your family will feel welcome
and able to grow in faith
This is for cleansing and is a sign that our sins are washed away. Water quenches our thirst, is refreshing and is necessary for life. In the same way, the water we use in baptism symbolises that the life of the risen Christ is given to us. Jesus gives us the water of life that quenches our thirst and helps us to grow spiritually.
Ever since Jesus Christ was crucified, Christians have adopted the Cross as their sign. All who are baptised are signed with the Cross as a mark of their belonging to Christ. This powerful symbol represents not only the sacrifice of Christ but also serves as a constant reminder of the unifying bond among believers worldwide.
Symbolises Jesus Christ, the Light of the World.The baptism candle reminds us that the light of Christ has entered the child’s life. The flame symbolises the flame of faith which is set alight in each generation. We pray that the light of God’s love will shine out through the life of each baptised person.
