Being Baptised at the Royal Garrison Church?
Please note the Royal Garrison Church ONLY Baptises those who meet the following criteria (1) that the parents of the child or adult wishing to be baptised are serving within the Armed Forces (2) they are members of the congregation. Those wishing to have children baptised who do not meet these criteria are asked to contact their own local church.
So You're Thinking About Having Your Child Baptised?
Before being intimidated by the seriousness of these questions, however, RELAX. Baptism in and of itself accomplishes nothing. The church is not possessed of any magic power to grant your child entrance into the kingdom of heaven, nor does lack of baptism mean that your child is excluded from heaven. If you are thinking about baptism out of fear for what might happen to your child if he or she is not baptised, then I would as you to speak with one of the Padres first.
If, on the other hand, you are interested in taking the spiritual life of your child seriously, recognizing that you could use some real help in introducing your child to values that will endure and a faith that will sustain your entire family through good times and bad, then this decision may be the beginning of a life changing experience everyone.
In short, if you approach baptism as an opportunity to lead your family on a journey of discovery, then I would encourage you to go for it.
The first step will be to contact us either by ringing the Church Office (01252 348969) or via email or download a Baptism Application Form - Here
We advice you not to send out invitations until your date has been confirmed by us
This involves some very practical, down to earth considerations, such as whether there are likely to be other children in the congregation that your children already know, how much travel time is involved in getting from home to church, whether you have a good feeling about the padre or the members of the congregation. Many churches see themselves as extended families ... communities where your children can be introduced to an entire web of relationships: other children their own age, adoptive aunts or uncles, older adults whom the children can look up to.
Naturally, you'll want this to be a positive experience for your child; and you'll want a church where you can be spiritually nurtured as well. How successful are you going to be in mentoring your child in the Christian faith if you are not excited, committed, and intellectually engaged in it yourself?
Given the investment of forethought that I am suggesting, your child's baptism will not only be meaningful for the immediately members of your family, it will be a ceremony and celebration that you'll want to share with your closest friends and relatives.