Baptism
A baptism is when God accepts a new person into His church. It is considered to formally mark the beginning of one's Christian life.
A christening and a baptism mean exactly the same thing, though some people think that a christening is something that happens to a child, and baptism is something that happens to an adult.
A baptism uses water, and is done in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. The water is usually be sprinkled on a person's head, as they lean or are held over a font.
If you want a christening/baptism, the first thing to do is get in touch with our administrator here. You’ll then be invited to a session run by the clergy about what baptism is, and what it will mean for your family. After that, there’ll be a follow-up visit from our baptism advisor, where dates can be set, and other practicalities addressed.
Baptisms usually take place in the principal service on a Sunday morning. The baptism itself takes about ten minutes, and starts off with vows made by the person being baptised (if they are an adult), or by godparents and/or sponsors (if they are children). After the baptism, you receive a lighted candle, and everyone welcomes you into the church.
If you are an adult, you will be baptised by the area bishop, and then confirmed immediately afterwards (see below).
A baptism is when God accepts a new person into His church. It is considered to formally mark the beginning of one's Christian life.
A christening and a baptism mean exactly the same thing, though some people think that a christening is something that happens to a child, and baptism is something that happens to an adult.
A baptism uses water, and is done in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. The water is usually be sprinkled on a person's head, as they lean or are held over a font.
If you want a christening/baptism, the first thing to do is get in touch with our administrator here. You’ll then be invited to a session run by the clergy about what baptism is, and what it will mean for your family. After that, there’ll be a follow-up visit from our baptism advisor, where dates can be set, and other practicalities addressed.
Baptisms usually take place in the principal service on a Sunday morning. The baptism itself takes about ten minutes, and starts off with vows made by the person being baptised (if they are an adult), or by godparents and/or sponsors (if they are children). After the baptism, you receive a lighted candle, and everyone welcomes you into the church.
If you are an adult, you will be baptised by the area bishop, and then confirmed immediately afterwards (see below).
Baptism FAQs
When can I have a baptism?
Unless there are exceptional circumstances, baptisms usually happen in the regular Sunday morning service. It might be better if it's not on a Sunday when there is communion (see the rotas here [link]). However, we appreciate windows of opportunity are tight, and we are flexible!
How many godparents can I have?
As many as you like!
I don't have anyone to be a godparent. Does that matter?
No - the vows can be made by the immediate family, or by yourself, if you are an adult.
What are the responsibilities of being a godparent?
It's the godparents job to ensure that children are brought up with a sound knowledge of the Christian faith. There is advice from the national church about being a godparents here.
I have someone I want to be a godparent, but I'm not sure they've been baptised. Does that matter?
The official guidelines state that all godparents should themselves be baptised. If you're not, you can be a 'sponsor' instead - you make the same vows, at the same time as everybody else. You'll still get a certificate at the end too! The only difference is that you won't get your name written in the baptism register, but as this spends most of its time locked up in a safe in the vestry, hopefully this isn't too much of a big deal!
Does it cost anything?
No - baptism at your local parish church is a statutory right.
What about certificates?
These are given free at the baptism service. A replacement certificate, if you ever need one, costs £15.
When can I have a baptism?
Unless there are exceptional circumstances, baptisms usually happen in the regular Sunday morning service. It might be better if it's not on a Sunday when there is communion (see the rotas here [link]). However, we appreciate windows of opportunity are tight, and we are flexible!
How many godparents can I have?
As many as you like!
I don't have anyone to be a godparent. Does that matter?
No - the vows can be made by the immediate family, or by yourself, if you are an adult.
What are the responsibilities of being a godparent?
It's the godparents job to ensure that children are brought up with a sound knowledge of the Christian faith. There is advice from the national church about being a godparents here.
I have someone I want to be a godparent, but I'm not sure they've been baptised. Does that matter?
The official guidelines state that all godparents should themselves be baptised. If you're not, you can be a 'sponsor' instead - you make the same vows, at the same time as everybody else. You'll still get a certificate at the end too! The only difference is that you won't get your name written in the baptism register, but as this spends most of its time locked up in a safe in the vestry, hopefully this isn't too much of a big deal!
Does it cost anything?
No - baptism at your local parish church is a statutory right.
What about certificates?
These are given free at the baptism service. A replacement certificate, if you ever need one, costs £15.
Thanksgivings
A thanksgiving is similar to a baptism in many ways, though it is done with oil rather than water, and represents less of a commitment to the Christian way of life. It is normally for a newly born child, rather than an adult.
Thanksgivings may be done at any time or place, including at your home if you wish. You can have any many godparents or sponsors as you wish.
A thanksgiving is similar to a baptism in many ways, though it is done with oil rather than water, and represents less of a commitment to the Christian way of life. It is normally for a newly born child, rather than an adult.
Thanksgivings may be done at any time or place, including at your home if you wish. You can have any many godparents or sponsors as you wish.
Confirmations
Confirmation is performed by bishops, to people who have already been baptised, and want to affirm their faith publicly. Traditionally, only those who have been confirmed can take communion.
Confirmation will normally be preceded by some form of 'confirmation class', though this will vary from person to person.
Confirmation is performed by bishops, to people who have already been baptised, and want to affirm their faith publicly. Traditionally, only those who have been confirmed can take communion.
Confirmation will normally be preceded by some form of 'confirmation class', though this will vary from person to person.
