Jesus' death on the cross showed us how much he loved us, and although we do not deserve it, we can be forgiven and free. During the baptism or christening service Jesus asks us to admit our need of forgiveness, and to turn to him and accept God's love.

• Using water

The first Christians were baptised outside in open water. Rising from the water symbolised the washing away of sins and the start of a new spiritual life together with God's Holy Spirit. Today we use a font to hold the water that we pour over those being baptised, but the meaning remains the same.

• The start of a journey

Baptism declares the intention to start a lifetime's journey with God. This is the same journey that the Christian church family throughout the world is making and so in baptism you or your child becomes part of that family.

• The role of Parents and Godparents.

If an individual is to discover the new life that Jesus offers they must be taught about His life and see what the Christian faith means in action.
Parents and Godparents promise help and support during this journey of discovery.
Through their prayers and by example, they promise to draw those being baptised into the community of faith and walk with them in the way of Christ.