Baptisms (Christenings)
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How do I arrange a baptism?
We happily baptise babies and adults.
There are no restrictions and it is all very straightforward.
In the first instance contact Canon Ann Philp
When and where do baptisms take place?
Baptisms take place on Sundays or on major festivals.
Any Sunday in the year is possible.
You can choose which of our three churches you would prefer for your baptism.
Most baptisms take place in the context of a Sunday service so the local congregation can welcome the new Christian into their midst and when we have music and often bells as well. We welcome visitors and children at our worship.
If you have an extra large baptism party or have trouble in making it at that time of day a service outside congregational worship can take place but there is unlikely to be a choir or organist.
We aim to make it a happy family occasion for you whilst remembering that baptism sacrament of the Christian Church which is important to all of us.
What does it cost?
There is never a charge for baptism.
Some families choose to make an offering but that is entirely up to you. We are just happy to have you with us.
Who will do the baptism?
Any ordained member of our team can baptise.
If you know us you are welcome to express a preference.
What are godparents and how do I choose them? Are they necessary?
If the person to be baptised is an infant who is too young to make the promises made in baptism godparents make these promises on their behalf. If the candidate is an adult or is old enough to know their own mind then godparents are not necessary.
For an infant there should be a minimum of two godparents. Godparents must be baptised themselves. (And preferably, but not essentially, confirmed)
If you have people who belong to another faith or who are not baptised you are welcome to have them as sponsors (rather than godparents) but they should be in addition to the two godparents.
Traditionally there are three godparents (two men and a woman for a boy and two women and a man for a girl) but this is nor essential.
Parents can be godparents but it is helpful for a baby to grow up with a variety of adults who will support them both in their faith and in all sorts of other ways.
Please choose people who you feel will support your child actively.
Can I be baptised as an adult?
There is no upper or lower age limit for baptism.
Will I have some commemoration of the baptism?
The person being baptised will be given a certificate and at the end of the service will be given a special candle which can be lit each year on the anniversary if you so choose.
God parents will each have a card to remind them of the day and ask them to pray for your child.
We have a parish policy of sending a card each year for approximately five years after the baptism assuming we have a current address.
All baptisms are entered in the parish registers. Eventually, when those registers are full, they are placed in the county records library. You can always ask to see them.
If baptised at All Saints, children’s names are entered on a cradle roll; these are currently hung on the western wall of the nave.