Ross Team Ministry Services
Thanksgiving and Baptism
Bringing children into the world is frequently considered one of the most wonderful experiences and opportunities we can every hope to have. It is also natural to want to say Thank You to God for the gift of a newborn child. The Church provides a service for this which is importantly distinct from Baptism and for some might be more appropriate.
Thanksgiving for the Gift of a Child.
This service provides an opportunity for parents and families to give thanks for the birth or adoption of a child and to pray for family life. It may be a private celebration at home or in hospital, or it may be a public celebration in church, sometimes with a number of children.
This service is not the same as Baptism (sometimes called Christening). It does not assume commitment to the Christian faith and to membership of the Church as does Baptism. Baptism expects a solemn commitment to the Christian faith and to the Church by parents and Godparents. Moreover, unlike the service of Thanksgiving, we insist that Baptism takes place within the context of another service when the regular congregation are present to welcome their new member.
If you would like this service of Thanksgiving for the Gift of a Child soon after the birth and prior to Baptism or you think that this service might actually be more honest and realistic for you instead of Baptism, please be in touch with the Team Administrator or one of the clergy.
Baptism
Adults and children can be baptised during many of our main services.
If you are considering baptism for yourself or for your child you will need to check your eligibility attend preparation sessions where you will find out what is entailed and discover alternatives. Children are baptised in the Church of England at any age from a tiny baby onwards.
Godparents
Children should have three godparents – girls two Godmothers and one Godfather and boys two Godfathers and one Godmother. The Church of England laws do say that Godparents must be Baptised and should be Confirmed. Godparents should normally be at least 16 years of age.
Eligibility
To qualify for baptism in one of our churches you must live in one of our parishes or be on the Church Electoral Roll of the parish.
If you were married in one of our churches but have now moved away and this is your first child we are sometimes able to baptise your child.
If you live in one of the team benefice parishes but wish the baptism to take place in one of the other parishes of the team benefice, this might be possible if you can demonstrate a connection with that parish.
Preparation
Before your child is baptised, you will be expected to come to a preparation session, normally held in St Mary's Hall, Ross-on-Wye. One of the clergy staff will lead the sessions and will answer any questions you may have.
Godparents are also encouraged to attend this session as they will find out the specific role which they will be expected to play in your child's Christian upbringing.
Those who are old enough to understand and make the promises themselves will need three sponsors rather than Godparents. They would be expected to consider Confirmation.
To arrange a Baptism or a Thanksgiving for your child please contact the Team Administrator.
