Life Events - Baptisms
Congratulations if you have just had a new baby and are thinking about a Christening. Each child is a special gift from God and we are always delighted to celebrate this with you.
A Christening is the first step of an amazing journey with God, parents, godparents, friends, family and the church.
We welcome parents to come and talk to us about baptism. If you are thinking about taking this step please contact the Team Parish Office (please see the link near the top of the page).
Iif you would like to find out more about baptism and what it means, visit the Church of England website https://www.churchofengland.org/life-events/christenings
See below for answers to some frequently asked questions.
Q. What is the difference between baptism and christening?
A. None. They are just different words for the same thing.
Q. I am not a regular churchgoer. Can I still have my child baptised?
A. Yes. The Church believes that God’s love is available to everyone regardless of their background.
Q. What happens at a baptism?
A. Parents and godparents affirm the Christian faith and promise to do all they can to help the child grow up in that faith and to turn away from all that is evil.
Water is sprinkled on the child’s forehead. It is a symbol of the cleansing, refreshing, healing, purifying power of God’s love in our lives.
The child will be signed with the cross as we pray that they will have the courage to become a faithful follower of Christ.
The newly baptised will be given a lighted candle as a sign that from now on they belong to the family of the Church. Prayers are said for the child and for the parents and godparents.
Q. What else can we expect on the day?
A. The service will normally last about 40 minutes. Everyone will be handed an order of service which will not include any hymns. We will do our very best to make the baptism of your child a wonderful and memorable occasion.
Q. Who can be a Godparent?
A. Godparents must be adults who have themselves been baptised. They also need to be people who will be able to get to know their godchild and support them as they grow and mature in the Christian faith and way of life.
Q. How many godparents does a child need?
A. The minimum number is two. Traditionally a boy has two men and one woman and a girl has two women and one man. However, many people today choose two couples and it is therefore common to have four Godparents which is the maximum number we recommend.
Q. How much does it cost to have our child baptised?
A. The good news is that there is no formal charge for a service of baptism. God’s love is a free gift to all and we are delighted to welcome your child into the Church.
However we are grateful to the many families who have had their children baptised here and have chosen to make a donation towards the cost of keeping the church open and active. We invite you to make a donation of whatever you can afford but suggest £25. A gift aid envelope is provided for those who are tax payers and a collection plate will be placed at the back of church on the day of the baptism.