To discuss arranging a Baptism at St John the Baptist Church contact

Revd. Beth Smith by email at [email protected]

Your child is precious to you and precious to God. You want the very best for them, and so does God. You want them to make right choices in life, for themselves and for others.

A christening is just the beginning of this and so much more.

Over the years to come, it’s a journey you’ll share together with your child by:

Being there for your child to talk to about the bigger questions of life – questions about hope, faith and love.Praying for your child through the ups and downs of their faith journey. Showing them practically how to make those good choices in life.Helping them to learn more about their Christian faith, through their church and in other ways.

So it’s a commitment to start as you mean to go on.

FAQ's

Is Baptism different to a Christening?

There is no difference between a christening service and a baptism service.

Some churches will use the word ‘baptism’ and some the word ‘christening’. The moment when your child has water poured or wiped on their head is the actual baptism and is at the heart of the service.

Babies are baptized during a christening service just as couples are ‘married’ during a ‘wedding’ service.

Can anyone be Christened?

The Church of England welcomes all babies, children, adults and even whole families for christenings – whatever shape that family takes.

You do not have to be married or have been a regular churchgoer – as a parent, you do not even have to have been baptized yourself – though you could be!

At what age should a child be christened?

There’s no specified minimum or maximum age for having a child christened.

When a child is christened, the parents and godparents will make promises on their behalf. Older children (perhaps around the age of 12) may be mature enough to make the promises for themselves.

Talk to us about baptizing an older child and how this might differ from a baby’s christening service.

How much will it cost?

The good news is that a christening service is free! We do ask for donations at the end of the service though, as this money helps us to continue our work in schools and in the community.

Do Godparents have to be baptized?

Godparents are really important people at a christening. They will make some big promises in church to support their godchild in their Christian faith for a lifetime.

For this reason, a godparent must be baptized themselves and ideally confirmed too.

Can my child be baptized in the Church of England if they weren't born in England?

Yes! The Church of England welcomes children with joy wherever they were born.

You will need to be able to attend the service in person with your chosen godparents, and be available to take part in sessions to help you find out all that it means for the day and for life.

In baptism your child becomes part of the world-wide family of God, wherever the christening takes place.