Baptism

Baptisms

Baptism Befrienders

The Baptism Befrienders Team. I’d love to know what images that title conjures up for you. To start with what do you think it means? Who do you think they are and what do you think they do?

Before the date of baptism it is common for the priest to visit the family, to talk through the practical and spiritual side of the service. For example there are a lot of symbols used in baptism and symbols mean nothing unless you understand what they represent. We want people to feel comfortable on this special occasion so we will do our best to make sure they know what to expect at every step through this very special service.

In the autumn of 2009, the Knaresborough Anglican Team had a Parish away day, a time to reflect on its life, mission and ministry. One of the results from that away day was that in 2010 the Knaresborough Anglican Team set up a group called the Baptism Befrienders. This is a group of faithful volunteers from within the people who regularly worship at our churches. They accompany the priest on the pre-baptism visits. Why? Well as one of our Baptism Befrienders said, ‘I feel the link between clergy, baptism families and the congregation can be forged strongly by the baptism befrienders who can provide a sense of continuity with families after the actual baptism.’After the Baptism Service the family will often come back to church, but the priest who visited them may be at another church that day or even if they are there they are going to be at the front of the church taking the service. We want people who are coming back to our beautiful churches to have a great experience. It is really nice to see someone you have already met when you go to a church service. Another of our Baptism Befrienders said this, ‘I feel it is important that there is a welcoming friendly face the family will know when they come to church, which will hopefully help them feel more at ease. First impressions are very important.’ A common comment that is shared by Baptism Befrienders and clergy alike is this, ‘I feel it is a privilege to be a small part of a baby's first steps to becoming a Christian and you pray that a warm welcome will make the family want to continue to be part of the church, if not already regular worshipers, and attend some services and to grow in faith.’

The Baptism Befrienders Team are a huge support to the priest and a valuable asset to the community. I think we complement each other in our different roles and this leads to families having positive experiences of church and combined with the actual Baptism Service a practical experience of the abundant love of God.

If you are thinking about Holy Baptism then you may find these links useful.

For a baptism at St. John the Baptist, Knaresborough, click on this link

/st-john-the-baptist-knaresborough-web-site/baptisms/

For a baptism at Holy Trinity, Knaresborough, click on this link

/holy-trinitys-web-site/holy-trinity-baptisms/

For a baptism at St. Mary the Virgin, Goldsborough, click on this link

/st-mary-the-virgin-goldsborough-web-site/goldsborough-baptisms/

For a baptism at St. John the Baptist, Brearton, click on this link

/st-john-the-baptist-brearton-web-site/brearton-baptisms/