Baptisms at St Mary's Burstall

During a Christening/Baptism, your child will be baptized with water. It is the start of an amazing journey of faith for your child and a special day for family and friends. If you are considering bringing your child for Christening/Baptism, here are the answers to some familiar questions that we get asked.

Do we have to be a regular churchgoer or Baptised for my child to be Christened/Baptised?

No. We would be delighted to welcome them into the church family.

Can we have a private Baptism outside a church service?

A Baptism has to be conducted by a fully ordained minister. In some circumstances, you can have a standalone service on a Sunday but it is still important to get to know the church family and for them to meet you. In the benefice, we ask that you attend at least four services in the church before a private Baptism. There is no such attendance requirement for Baptisms that take place within a normal service as the congregation will be present to welcome your child and witness you making baptismal promises on their behalf.

Can I be Baptised as an adult?

Yes. Although we might gentle encourage you to explore the possibility of being confirmed. There is no upper age on baptism.

How many Godparents can we have and what role do they play?

Godparents will be people who will be in touch with your family for many years to come. they may be relatives or friends of the family.

They will be people who you know you can trust and who will be there for your child to talk about the bigger questions in life, questions about faith, hope, and love.

Every child should have at least three Godparents, two of the same sex and at least one of the opposite sex. Although there is no official maximum number of Godparents, three or four is usual.

Parents may be Godparents to their own children providing they have at least one other.

Because of the very special role they have in supporting your child's faith journey, Godparents must be Baptised themselves.

There is no minimum age for Godparents, but they must be mature enough to understand the responsibilities that they are taking on; we can help you decide if this is the right choice for your child and the young Godparent.

Can I be Baptised by immersion?

Unfortunately, we do not have a baptistery in St Mary's church.

How many times can I be Baptised?

Once.

How much does a Baptism cost?

It does not cost anything to be Christened/Baptised during a Sunday morning service. However, if you are having a private service, you will be required to cover the fee for the verger (£50) and heating if required (£50) If you wanted the service to include hymns and music you would have to cover the fees of the organist (currently (£80).

Please get in touch for further information.