Baptisms (Christenings) at Christ Church

Introduction

Everyone is welcome to have their baby or child baptised - there are around 10,000 babies and infants christened each month in the Church of England! There is no difference between a baptism and a christening - it is simply two words used to describe the same thing! Baptism marks the beginning of a journey with God which continues for the rest of our lives. This first step is a 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 party of a wider community and has a place with God's people.

About the Service

Here you will find information relating to baptism and if you would like to know more, please speak to our clergy.

What happens during the service?

Your child's baptism will normally take place during the main Sunday service, usually in the morning. This is so your child can be seen to be joining the family of the Church and be welcomed into membership. In turn, the Church will promise to support and pray for you and your child,

The priest taking the service will make sure you know where to sit and when you need to move. Some parts of the service will be for everyone to join in with, some will be for you and the godparents.

Part of the service will normally take place at the front of the church, but for the Baptism itself, parents and godparents and sometimes, family and friends, will be asked to gather around the font. (The font is a large basin on a pedestal, containing the water for baptism). Parents and godparents then make declarations or promises on behalf of the child.

Making Decision and Promises

When you bring your child for Baptism, you will be asked to declare publicly on behalf of your child that you believe in God and that you will bring your child up to follow Jesus. You will be asked to answer, on your child's behalf, that you have decided to turn away from everything which is evil or sinful and instead, turn towards Jesus Christ.

The symbols and Actions used during the Service

The sign of the Cross

The priest will make a sign of the cross on your child's forehead. This is like an invisible badge to show that Christians are united with Jesus Christ and must not be ashamed to stand up for their faith.

Parents and godparents will also be invited to sign the cross on your child's forehead after the priest has done so.

Water

The Priest will pour water on your child's head. Water is a sign of washing and cleansing, In the baptism itself it is a sign of being washed free from sin and beginning a new life with God. Water is a sign of life, but also a symbol of death. When we are baptised, it is like as though our old life is buried in the waters (like drowning) and we are raised to new life with Christ.

Anointing

After baptism in water, the priest may anoint your child with oil. This is a sign of the outpouring of God's Holy Spirit. Sometimes, this may happen before the actual baptism.

Candles

Jesus is the light of the world. A large candle may be lit in the church and your may also be given a lighted candle at the end of the service as a reminder of the light which has come into your child's life.

Frequently Asked Questions about Baptism

Can anyone have a christening service?

Yes, so long as they have not been baptised already. 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 for everyone is welcomed with joy!

What about Godparents?

Godparents are not 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 at least three godparents, two of the same sex and at least one of the opposite sex. 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 some serious promises on behalf of your child.

How much does a Christening Service cost?

The church service is free, but we do ask for a voluntary donation towards the work and the running costs of the church. There is, however, a fee for the Baptism Certificate, if you would like one.

When can the service take place?

This is usually on a Sunday during one of the services already scheduled to take place, but there may be opportunities to have a service at a different time, again usually on a Sunday, but you'll need to talk to a member of our clergy about this.

What Next?

Simply speak to a member of our clergy and arrange a meeting to discuss what happens next, and you can find out further information about baptism on the Church of England website.