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Baptisms

Baptisms at St Marks

We welcome all baptism enquires. At St Marks we take baptism seriously as the induction into the family of Jesus. 

For more information, please read the below information and then fill in the enquiry form. 

 

Cost of baptism

Financially baptism is a free service which we offer. In fact, we give you a candle, a Bible (appropriate to the age of the candidate) and a Church family to support you throughout life.

However, baptism is a response to the call of Jesus to follow Him.

So when you come for baptism, we do expect you to worship regularly with us at St Mark’s and to join a journey of discovery about the God who created you, offers to rescue you and loves you.

 

  1. Firstly, we ask that you are willing to explore the Christian faith, live in the parish of St Mark’s or have a particular reason for being baptised here.
  2. We ask you to attend Church (and sign in) 3 times before we arrange a baptism preparation evening.
  3. You’ll then be invited to join one of the ministers at an informal and fun evening to explore baptism, the service and a life with Jesus.
  4. At the preparation meeting we will book your baptism on one of the 9 available first Sundays across the year.
  5. We will then ask you to attend church (and sign in) a further 3 times before the baptism.
 

While this may feel like a lot, this is so you get to meet the church family you are joining and have an opportunity to explore your faith deeper. St Mark’s has so much to offer you as part of the family and as a member of the local church. And too many families have missed out in the past. We don’t want you to miss out on what being a part of a Church brings to each and every family, and the relationship with the God who loves you.

Baptism at St Mark’s is not about splashing the baby’s head for a party afterwards, nor is a ticket to heaven. It is about approaching the God who loves us and following faithfully the way He has taught us.

  1. In most cases we ask that you are attending St Mark’s for 6 months before exploring baptism.
  2. Please let us know you want to explore baptism, and we will invite you to join one of the ministers at two informal and fun sessions to explore baptism, the service and a life with Jesus.
  3. At the preparation meeting we will book your baptism, ideally at the annual full immersion baptisms (using the baptism pool) usually in June which is a wonderful service of celebration.
  4. We only baptise children over 5 and adults who clearly decide to be baptised themselves after the preparation sessions, as this is the biggest decision of a person’s life, whether to follow Jesus or not. The only exception would be children with significant additional needs or life-threatening illnesses. 

The Service

The infant baptism is usually part of our ‘altogether’ service at the beginning of the month and lasts between 60-75 minutes. It is a lively fun-filled service of worship and celebration. Children are especially welcome and the service is geared up for all ages and backgrounds. There is also a baby space at the back of the church if you feel your children are to noisy. We want you and your guests to feel comfortable, so kids walking round or murmuring is fine, and the break-out space (with screen and speakers so you don’t miss out) is particularly for children who are running around or climbing the walls. 

You can expect: 

  • songs (chosen by the St Mark’s sung worship team), 
  • the baptism, 
  • perhaps a game or a video 
  • a Bible reading, 
  • the talk, 
  • some interactive prayers 
  • finishing on another couple of songs.

Your commitment

Our hope is that you encounter the life-changing love and power of Jesus Christ who loves you and who promises to come alongside and change the lives of all His followers.

We ask that all baptism families 

  • read and share this document with the godparents (who must agree to saying these vows before God)
Baptism vows and service text
  • Turn up at 9.45 with godparents on the morning
  • Commit to regular attendance at St Mark’s
  • Be happy to start or continue becoming a disciple of Jesus
A growing disciple of Jesus at St Mark's

Baptism Enquiry Form

St Mark’s, Haydock is part of the Church of England. Register Charity Number: 1128590

  • office@stmarkshaydock.org
  • 01744 602641
  • St Mark’s Church, West End Road, Haydock St Helens, WA11 0AX
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