This information is designed to help you if you are considering having your baby
or child baptised. Hopefully it will answer some of your questions, but if there
are still things you would like to ask then please contact the Vicar, who is only
too pleased to help.
What’s in a name?
Some people talk about baptism, some about Christening. What’s the difference? Well,
they both mean the same thing. The Church tends to call it ‘baptism’ because that
is the word used in the Bible; whereas ‘christening’ is an Old English word for it,
rather like a nickname.
What is it all about?
Baptism is a vitally important step for anyone to take, whether for a baby whose
parents are making the decision, or for an adult - and many people are baptised as
adults. Because it is so important, it is not something that can be rushed.This is
why we ask you, that is both parents and also any godparents who might be available,
to come along for a session, to find out what the baptism is all about. We ask you
to arrange for a baby sitter, if possible, so that you can concentrate on what is
being said and done.
Godparents
Godparents must be baptised themselves. This is the Church of England’s rule, and
we observe it absolutely. Godparents should also be confirmed, because they are going
to promise to see that their godchild is confirmed, but we accept that this is not
always possible. Being asked to be a godparent can be an occasion for an adult to
consider confirmation, and we are always ready to talk about this to anyone who is
interested.
Normally there should be three godparents, two men and a woman for a boy and two
women and a man for a girl. It is possible to have only two, in which case there
should be one of each sex, or it is also possible to have more than three. Parents
may be godparents for their own children provided that the child has at least one
other godparent.
Godparents should be mature adults. Because of the promises they are going to make
on behalf of the child, they should be chosen for their sincere belief, and should
be the sort of people that a child could model his or her life on. There is little
point in choosing godparents whom the child will rarely see.
What does a baptism cost?
There is no charge for a baptism, but there will be an opportunity for you to make
a donation towards the running costs of the church if you would like to do so.
What shall I do next?
Before you decide on a day please contact the vicar at the phone number given. She
will confirm a date for you and will make an appointment for you to meet with her.
We hope that you will find this page helpful, but please contact the Vicar if there
is anything else you would like to know.
