What is Baptism?

In baptism, you as parents are: thanking God for his gift of life; deciding to start your child on the journey of faith; asking for the Church’s support.

For your child (or yourself), baptism: marks the start of a journey of faith; involves turning away from evil and turning towards Christ; becoming a member of the local and worldwide Christian family.

Baptisms in the Akeman Benefice normally happen within the context of a family service, so that the baptised person can be welcomed by the church family present, and as members of the local church they will promise to support and pray for you and your child.

What Godparents do

Godparents and parents make the same promises on behalf of the child being baptised. Godparents promise to pray and support the child and to help the parents to bring up the child in the Christian faith. It is an important and responsible role.

Godparents can be family members or friends. However, it is important that you choose people whom you trust, who will take an interest in your child’s spiritual welfare, and who will be in your life for many years to come.

You must ideally have three or four Godparents, and at least one male and one female godparent. Godparents should be baptised themselves.

If you have any questions or you would like to book a baptism, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Please note: dates for baptisms need to be mutually agreed in advance, as there is not always a suitable service or a priest available every Sunday for baptism services. To avoid disappointment, please discuss this before making any final arrangements.

The Rev’d Gareth Miller
Rector of The Akeman Benefice
The Rectory
Troy Lane
Kirtlington
OX5 3HA

Telephone: + 44 (0) 1869 350224
Email: akemanbenefice@gmail.com

Download your booklet with full information on baptisms here: