Baptisms within our Benefice

Baptisms (often called Christenings), take place throughout the year. Please contact the Rector for more details, however first read the notes below:

Baptism notes

Baptism, like confirmation is the way that a person joins the Christian church. Anyone may be baptised but confirmation is generally reserved for those who have reached the age of about 12 years or year 6. (it is possible to make exceptions but the permission of the Bishop is required for these and you should contact the Rector to discuss this). Adults who are baptised as adults normally go on to confirmation at the very earliest opportunity.

There are normally 3 Godparents (although you can have more). Traditionally for a girl this would be two women and a man, whilst for a boy it would be two men and a woman but this is not fixed. Godparents must be baptised Christians, ideally they should be confirmed as well but we understand this is not always possible.

Baptisms take place on Sundays and can either be at 12 noon, shortly after the main service or as part of the main service. Only exceptionally are other times considered. Our Churches are very popular for Baptisms and summer dates often go early.

If you would like your child to be baptised at at any of the churches in the benefice please contact the Rector in the first instance. There are no fees for baptism or confirmation, but a thank offering of around £50 according to your means for the Church is both appropriate and very welcome.

Confirmation

Confirmation is administered by the Bishop on certain occasions throughout the year and is normally preceded by a programme of preparation.

Confirmation preparation happens each year, usually beginning around June. After confirmation a person is considered a full member of the Church, is entitled to receive Holy Communion and can act as a Godparent.

If you are considering confirmation please contact the Rector to discuss your needs.

Thanksgiving for the birth of a child

A service of thanksgiving for the birth of a child is available as an alternative to those families who feel that baptism is not appropriate to them at their stage of faith. This would take place on Sundays and can either be at 12 noon, shortly after the main service or as part of the main service. Like Baptism only exceptionally are other times considered. Please contact the Rector for more information.