Having your baby Christened
Planning your child's Christening
Baptism for babies and children takes place in a service often called a Christening.
In this service parents thank God for his gift of life, make a decision to start their child on a journey of faith and godparents promise help and support. The church also promises to welcome the child and to pray for the family.
For your child, being baptised marks the start of a lifelong journey of faith as part of the local and worldwide Christian family.
Our Christenings usually take place at 12.00 noon on the first or third Sunday of the month.
Please note we may not be able to offer the date you would like at busy times of the year so it is important to make your inquiry as soon as possible.
Thanksgiving
Some parents might want to celebrate the gift of a child in a different way without the commitment that baptism involves.
During the Thanksgiving Service parents and families give thanks for the birth or adoption of a child and everyone prays for family life.
It can take place in church with the congregation, or with just family and friends gathered, or elsewhere such as home, or even in hospital.
A Thanksgiving Service is not a baptism. There are no promises to make about the Christian faith. Your child will be blessed and prayed for, and supporting friends will promise to support the parents in bringing up their baby.
There is nothing to stop the child being baptised at a later date.
To find out more about a Thanksgiving Service - please arrange to have a chat with a member of the clergy team.
Information for Godparents
Godparents have a special role. It's about helping a child to come to know God, encouraging them in their spiritual life and supporting them in their membership of the local church.
You need to be at the Christening where you will make promises to help bring them up in the Christian faith.
It's a role that will grow over time, as your godchild grows up and develops their own faith. Find more information at the Church of England.
Cost
There is no cost for a Christening (or baptism). However, as a charity we welcome donations towards our ongoing running costs. Donations may be gift aided at no extra cost to you (we can provide envelopes to enable you to do this).