We’re delighted you’re thinking of a Christening for your child. Your child is precious to you and precious to God. At a Christening you promise to raise your child to know God loves them, and to help them follow Jesus as a member of the church.
{Wherever the term “Christening” is used it is interchangeable with the term “baptism”: some people are used to using one word, some the other but they refer to the same thing.}
Christenings normally take place within the family service at 10 am at St Mary’s on the second Sunday of each month. As a Christening is very much linked with welcoming a child into the family of the church we feel it is appropriate to conduct the ceremony within our morning service. If you are having a Christening during an 10 o’clock service there is a choice as to where you’d like it to take place. The old Jacobean stone font is situated in one of the back corners of the church and is a little bit out of the way. It can feel a bit cut off from the congregation but it does have great history attached to it as it has been the place of parish baptisms for hundreds of years. Alternatively, we can place a small ornate table and wooden bowl in the centre aisle right in the heart of the congregation and carry out the Christening there which makes it easier for people to see and feels much more part of the church family. There is no “right” or “wrong” place but I like to give parents the choice. Please indicate on the Christening form which you would prefer.
There is also the possibility of a Christening after the morning service – this would normally take place on the third Sunday of the month at 12.00.
There is no fee for having a child Christened but there is a collection taken as part of the service if anyone would like to leave a donation.
It is usual for there to be either two or three Godparents: if two, then one male and one female and if three then two of the same sex as the child being Christened.
If you have any particular questions about Christenings then the Church of England has a useful website. Click on: -
http://www.churchofengland.org/
In baptism, you as parents are: thanking God for his gift of life, making a decision to start your child on the journey of faith and asking for the Church’s support.
For your child, baptism marks the start of a journey of faith which we hope will be followed later in their life by them making their own declaration of faith at Confirmation. Baptism is known as a sacrament, a visible sign of God’s love. In baptism, we are thanking God for his gift of life and publicly acknowledging his love. We are acknowledging that we need to turn away from selfishness and evil and to accept God’s offer of a new start.
If you live outside the parish of St Mary’s, it is possible to have your child Christened here if you have a particular link with the church. These would usually be such links as the parents were married at St Mary’s, or perhaps already send their children to the Church School here in the Village.
We would ask, if you are not already regularly attending the church, that you come along to two 1o a.m. morning services before the baptism: this gives you a chance to familiarize yourself with the church and to get to know some people here. At the first service you will be given a baptism form and have a chance to talk through any questions with the Rector.
Frequently asked questions
Q: What’s the difference between a baptism and a Christening?
A: None, they are just different words for the same thing.
Q: What is the right age for baptism?
A: Baptism can happen at any age. What matters is that those concerned believe it is right to ask for baptism. Teenagers and adults may also be baptized. You can only be Baptised once, but there are ways of renewing your commitment publicly as an adult – just ask if you need more details!
Q: I’m not a regular churchgoer. Can I still have my child baptised?
A: Yes. The Church believes that God’s love is available to all, regardless of their background. You may wish to find out more about the Christian faith and what joining the Church involves before you make a decision about Baptism.
Q: What does it cost?
A: The Baptism service is free.
Q: What is a godparent?
A: Godparents make the same promises on behalf of the child being baptised as parents. Godparents promise to pray and support the child and to help the parents to bring up the child in the Christian faith. It is an important and responsible role.
Q: Who should I choose to be a godparent?
A: Godparents can be family members or friends. However, it is important that you choose people who will take an interest in your child’s spiritual welfare and who will pray for you and your child. They should be baptized themselves.
Q: What happens after the baptism?
A: Baptism marks a new start for your child, as a member of the worldwide Christian community. In turn, the Church welcomes you and your child and promises to support you in bringing the child up in the faith. Look under the drop-down menu for the activities we run for children and youth.
Q: What is said during the baptism?
A: Apart from the prayers that the Rector says and those that the congregation say, the parents and godparents will respond to a series of questions on your child’s behalf.
You will be asked to declare, on your child’s behalf, 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 to turn instead towards Christ.
The declarations
During the service, you will be asked to stand around the font and to make the following declarations, answering the questions which the Rector will ask.
Do you reject the devil and all rebellion against God?
Parents and godparents respond by saying: I reject them.
Do you renounce the deceit and corruption of evil?
Parents and godparents: I renounce them.
Do you repent of the sins that separate us from God and neighbour?
Parents and godparents: I repent of them.
Do you turn to Christ as Saviour?
Parents and godparents: I turn to Christ.
Do you submit to Christ as Lord?
Parents and godparents: I submit to Christ.
Do you come to Christ, the way, the truth and the life?
Parents and godparents: I come to Christ.
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