Baptism
What is baptism?
Baptism is a special gift from God. Through baptism, God gives us:
• Faith
• Grace
• Blessing
God knows us by name and welcomes us into His family.
Jesus said: “Let the little children come to me; do not stop them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.” (Mark 10:14)
Baptism is the most important ceremony in the Church. It is how a person becomes a Christian. Baptism is done only once in life – and it is always valid, even if your faith feels weak later.
How is a baptism performed?
A baptism can happen
- At the local church
- At home, with a pastor present
What happens
- The pastor says the child’s or adult’s name.
- The pastor pours water three times on the head.
- The pastor says: “I baptise you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”
- Parents and godparents bless the person by placing their hands on their head.
- The pastor says a final blessing: “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit, be with you all evermore.”
After baptism, the child or adult continues to grow in faith
This is supported by:
- Parents
- Godparents
- The local parish
Families are encouraged to
- Teach the child to pray
- Bring them to church
- Help them learn about God’s love and forgiveness
The parish offers
- Sunday school
- Family clubs
- Youth activities
- Confirmation preparation
Baptism in the Parish of Seinäjoki
Reserve a baptism venue and minister through the Parish of Seinäjoki service offices. The baptism may take place at home, in a church, or in another parish facility.
As a member of the Parish of Seinäjoki, you do not need to pay a venue rental fee if the catering for the celebration is ordered from the Parish of Seinäjoki Catering Services.
Read more about renting Parish Facilities.
The child’s home parish presents each baptised child with a baptism candle and a baptism certificate, and sponsors receive sponsor certificates. Baptised children and their families also receive a baptism gift.
After the baptism, the child, their family, sponsors, and grandparents are invited to a church service where the names of those baptised are read aloud, and prayers are offered for them. The churches of the Parish of Seinäjoki have baptism trees, and a leaf is placed on the tree as each baptised person’s name is read. Prayers are said for the children, and each leaf bears the name of the baptised child.
Adult baptism
Adults who have never been baptised can be baptised after some preparation. The baptism usually happens during a church service.
The adult wears a white robe called an alb. They say the Christian Creed with the congregation. The pastor baptises them in the same way as children, using water and words.
An adult being baptised should have two godparents or sponsors, who are confirmed members of the Lutheran Church or a similar church. In some cases, one is enough – ask your vicar for advice.
Godparents promise to support the person in their spiritual life.
Godparents
Who can be a godparent?
A godparent must:
- Be a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church (or a Porvoo Communion church): Members – The Porvoo Communion
- Be confirmed
- Be baptised
If you have trouble finding godparents, ask your parish for help.
A child or adult usually has two godparents, but more are welcome. People who do not belong to a Christian church cannot be godparents.
In special cases, it is possible to have only one godparent, with the vicar’s permission.
Godparent responsibilities
Godparents:
- Witness the baptism
- Are special adults in the child’s life
- Help the child grow in faith
- Can go to church or Sunday school with the child
- Pray for their godchild
Being a godparent is a great honour and responsibility.
Important information
Before the baptism, the parish needs:
• The names and personal identity numbers of the godparents
• If the godparents live abroad: their name, date of birth, religion, home parish, city and country
Please collect this information before contacting the pastor.
