Baptisms

Baptism – or Christening - is a service of celebration and commitment to Jesus Christ.  If you would like to discuss making arrangements for yourself, or for an infant or young person, please contact Revd Bill Hornsby.

A child should normally be baptized at his or her parish church, or the church where the parents normally attend.  If you live outside the parishes of Goudhurst with Kilndown it may still be possible to arrange for a baptism at one of the churches.  We would need to have a discussion about why you felt it was more appropriate for the baptism to take place here, rather than in your ‘home’ parish.   You would also need to secure the goodwill of your local parish priest.

It is usual to have at least three Godparents, two of the same sex as the child and one of the opposite sex, but to have one Godfather and one Godmother is sufficient.   Church Law requires that Godparents should be baptized and confirmed, but the requirement of confirmation can be relaxed in certain cases.    It is not essential for parents to be baptized and confirmed, unless they are to be Godparents.    Parents may be Godparents to their own children, provided that the child has at least one other Godparent.   

Church Law also suggests that it is to be preferred that Baptism is performed when the main congregation is usually gathered, so that they may have the opportunity of being reminded of the promises made at their own baptism.    Baptisms at Christ Church, Kilndown, are normally conducted at 9.15am during the Morning Service.  Sometimes, though, this is inconvenient if family members have to make a long journey to be present.  In such cases, other times may be possible by special arrangement. 

As infants are baptized, it is the responsibility of parents and Godparents to undertake to ensure that children grow up in the Christian faith and to learn how we should respond to God’s love for us.  This is not easy; we live in a world that offers many distractions and it is hard to keep a place for God in our lives.  The Church shares this responsibility so that, together, we can teach and help our young people to grow in awareness that Jesus died and rose again for us; to have an appreciation that he loves us; and to recognize that God hears and answers prayer.

In a Baptism Service for an infant the Parents and Godparents speak both for themselves and for the baby.  They signify their intention to follow Christ and to encourage the young child to continue in the Christian faith.  It is only as those around the child do this, that they can truly provide the example which will be needed in the years ahead.    The undertakings that are given in the service mean that parents and Godparents intend to lead a life that is pleasing to God, and will do their best to encourage the young person in the same way.

Parents and Godparents will be asked to join in saying that they share the faith of the Church, by affirming that they believe in God the Father who made the world; in his Son Jesus Christ who died for us; and in God the Holy Spirit who lives in us and makes Christ known to us.  There may be much we do not understand.  We may have many questions about these matters.  As part of the process of making arrangements for the date of the baptism, we welcome the opportunity to try to address some of these issues and to answer any questions.