Baptisms & Christenings
Here you will find information firstly about how to book your christening and then a helpful Questions and Answers section about Baptism more generally and a link for a website with further information.Booking your Christening
The first thing will be to book a date and time. We only offer Christenings on a Sunday. (Other days might be considered in exceptional circumstances).
The majority of our christenings are 1pm on Sundays, however you can have a christening at our 9am Sunday service if:
1) You have thirty or fewer guests.
2) It is a second sunday of the month.
In addition we cannot offer these Sundays for christenings (the dates for which can be found online):
The Sunday closest to the 23rd of June (St Johns Patronal festival)
The Sunday closest to 15th of August. (St. Marys Patronal Festival)
Palm Sunday (the Sunday before Easter Day)
Easter Day (though adult baptisms will be done).
The Sunday after Easter Day (our Rector is often away this sunday)
Remembrance Sunday. (Parade service in the Town Square)
The Sunday closest to All Saints/ All Souls (one our most important services)
The Sunday immediately before Christmas (as we are usually quite busy)
The Sunday after Christmas (as our Rector is often away)
As previously stated the first Sunday of any month.
If all this is a bit confusing, then please do discuss this with the bookings officer.
A few more points to consider when planning your christening
The godparents you choose must themselves be baptised. If this is not possible they can be a sponsor instead or we can explore getting them baptised in preparation.
From the 5th of February 2023 onwards you will be required to attend one of our baptis preperation sessions. However do not worry these sessions will be short, interactive and fun! More details can be found below.
There is no fee associated with baptism, but we do ask that you consider making a donation to your chosen church.
So How Do You Book?!
Please contact our bookings officer at [email protected] to get your date. You’ll then meet the Rector at a later date.
Baptism Preparation
From the 5th of February 2023 onwards we will require all Christening families to undertake Baptism Preparation, but as per above, it is not as onerous as it sounds! This will be a session of about an hour and a quarter at St. Marys Potton and could be with other Christening Families.
We will be running these sessions once a month on the first Sunday of the month at 12 noon (EXCEPT 1st Sunday of August). Please contact Rev. Alex to let him know which month you will be attending. (Also, theses sessions take place after our All Age Family and Friends service at 10:30am, so you might like to come along to that as well)
A Helpful List of the Most Frequently Asked Questions About Getting your Baby or Child Christened.
1. What is the difference between a baptism and 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'. Babies are 'baptised' during a 'christening' service just as couples are 'married' during a wedding service.
Christening is a traditional English word which means to become a member of the Christian church. Baptism means to be immersed in water. During a christening service a baby or child will be baptised with water and welcomed into the community of the local church.
2. What is baptism?
"Baptism marks the beginning of a journey with God which continues for the rest of our lives, the first step in response to God's love." It is also a celebration, a time to come together with family and friends; remembering that your child is loved by God, is part of a wider community and has a place with God's people.
3. What happens in the service?
Christenings are services replete with symbols for new life. At your baby's christening water will be blessed and used to pour on the baby's head. The baby will be signed with the cross, a special oil may be used for this, and a candle may be given. Godparents and parents will make promises on behalf of the baby, and prayers will be offered for the baby and the family. There may also be readings and hymns, which you may like to choose.
4. Does a christening give my baby a name?
No. Your baby's name is given when you register the birth. During the baptism, the baby's name will be used often, and when the water is poured over the child's head, the vicar will always use the name.
5. Who is allowed to have a christening service?
The Church of England welcomes all babies, children and families - whatever shape that family takes. You do not have to be married to ask for a christening for your child. You do not have to be an active churchgoer - as parents, you do not even have to have been christened yourselves. Everyone is welcome at their local church.
6. Where can I hold the christening?
You can have your baby christened at your local parish church. If you want to have the christening at a different church, for example, where you grew up or where you were married, you will need to talk to the vicar at that church.
7..How old is too old?
You can have your baby or child christened at any age. There is no upper age limit, but at school age your child should be able to make the promises for themselves and so no Godparents will be required.
8. What are godparents?
The involvement of godparents can be one of the most joyful parts of the christening.
Godparents are not necessarily the people who will care for your child should anything happen to you. Rather they should be people who will be there for your child and help them think about the bigger questions in life - questions of love, hope and faith.
Every child should have three godparents, usually two of the same sex as the child. Parents may be godparents for their own children, providing they have at least one other godparent.
Godparents must be baptised themselves and old enough to make serious promises on behalf of the child.
See here for more information on Church of England Christenings: