Baptisms

What is a Baptism?

Baptism marks the beginning of a journey with God which continues for the rest of our lives. Baptism is a significant moment in the life of the child or adult being baptised as they join their new family of the Church, the body of Christ, who commit themselves to Christ, the Church and the World by publicly saying in front of the worshipping community that they:

• Will reject the devil and all rebellion against God
• Will renounce the deceit and corruption of evil
• Will repent of our sins that separate us from God and neighbour
• Will turn to Christ as our Saviour
• Will submit to Christ as Lord
• Will come to Christ, the way the truth, and the life.

Baptism is a beginning. Parents and Godparents make these promises on the child's behalf, committing themselves to bringing their child to the Bishop, once he or she is old enough, to make these promises for themselves in the service of Confirmation. Baptised adults will also reconfirm their promises in front of the Bishop at the appointed time.

Who can be baptised at St John's Cathedral?

Baptism is open to all people who wish to accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour and to live out the Christian faith in their lives by commitment to a life of worship, prayer, and service within the Church.

Baby Baptism

Parents wishing to have their babies baptised should have attended worship on a regular basis for over three months at St John’s Cathedral or its daughter churches.

Children's Baptism

Parents whose children are 5 years and over should be attending worship and having their children enrolled in the Sunday School for the last 12 months.

Adult Baptism

Adults wishing to prepare for adult baptism and confirmation should have attended worship on a regular basis for over three months at St John’s Cathedral or its daughter churches.

Preparation

In preparation for baptism, we seek to explore our faith and to understand the promises being made at baptism. Baptismal preparation is arranged before the date of each baptism and is done with a group of parents who are having their child baptised at the same service. In the case of an adult, a series of discussions with other adults seeking baptism is held over a period of time. Discussions are held in English and Cantonese.

The Baptismal Service

At the Cathedral, baptisms are normally celebrated on the second or third Sunday of the month, at the 11.45am service. Adult baptismal preparation classes (Faith Begins Course) currently take place on Wednesday evenings prior to the baptism, at 7.00pm in the Conference Room or Upper Room, depending on numbers of participants.

Baptisms are not conducted during Lent, a period of fasting and prayer in preparation for celebrating the resurrection of Jesus at Easter.

There is no fee for baptism; however, we do encourage you to make an offering of thanks for the work of the Cathedral by placing your contribution, in an envelope provided, in the offertory bowl during the baptismal service.

If you would like to discuss baptism further, please contact the Cathedral Office on 2523 4157 or email our Baptism Coordinator, The Revd Sharon Langbis on sharonlangbis@stjohnscathedral.org.hk.

Baptism Service Dates

Baptism Services have been scheduled for the following Sundays. Please contact The Revd Sharon Langbis for more information.

28^th May & 26^th November 2023

(Children's baptisms on 4^th June 2023, 6^th & 7^th January 2024)