Cromer Parish Church with St Martins

"I am here today to renew my baptism promises because I want to make a personal statement about who I am, and to make a commitment to God."

"I have already been baptised as a baby into the Catholic faith, and I was brought up in Catholic schools and even a Catholic University College. I attended church weekly and was confirmed at the age of fourteen.  I thank my mother, Jenny, for bringing me up with faith; for taking me to Mass weekly, and helping me start my spiritual journey.  If it wasn't for this early teaching, I very much doubt that I would be here now."

"I lived for many years with little faith as I stopped attending church regularly.  My belief was there in the background and would be conformed to when expected.

In my early twenties I began to experience anxiety and depression and began using various means of coping with this, some of which weren't that good for me.  I was on strong medication, and l also had many hours of counselling. When Chris, the children and I moved to Norfolk, away from a very supportive family and many friends; I broke down completely.  I couldn't cope.  There was nothing for me...  no amount of medication, counselling, or red wine that helped.  I would call out, begging for help; crying out in desperation; pleading for peace.

I found an overwhelming urge to be in a church, and here I would pray desperately for my health to improve and to start enjoying my life (which was perfect in reality). I begged for forgiveness as slowly, through prayer, I became aware of my failings and my sin.

I began to attend church regularly.  I started to actually enjoy coming to church.  I started interacting with other Christians, and the more I attended church the more peace I experienced.  Sermons started to make sense. I started reading the bible again, because I really wanted to.  And most importantly to me at the time, my depression lifted and my anxiety disappeared; a real miracle!

I now had something to live for and I started to feel real joy and direction.  I was thirsty for knowledge and so I joined the Christianity Explored group, and this seemed to fulfil my need for a greater understanding of who God is… and this helped develop the faith that I have today. I questioned everything, and everyone that was on this course supported me 100%.  I absolutely loved it, and missed it terribly when it finished. I desperately wanted to pursue my relationship with God and was excited to experience the Holy Spirit in my life for the first time.

I have now joined my lovely small group which has helped me continue in my relationship with God.  I feel that now an empty space has been filled with pure joy, and that my eyes have now been opened. I exist to serve my God, to do his will and to share his love with those around me.  I feel no need for any of the crutches I would have used before in life.

This is why I am renewing my Baptismal vows, because these experiences have been momentous and life-changing; and I want to start the year by sharing publicly my amazing change in my relationship with Jesus."