BAPTISM

Baptism or Christening – which is it?

They are two words for the same thing. During a christening a person is baptized with water as a sign that they want to follow Jesus and be part of his family, the church. You can be baptized at any age.

Baptism promises

If you yourself are being baptized, you will make some serious promises about your faith and your decision to follow Jesus. If your child is being baptized, you and the godparents will make the same promises on behalf of the child. Some parents want to give their child the freedom to make their own baptism promises when they are old enough to decide for themselves. If you would like to give your child this opportunity you could consider having Thanksgiving service instead of a christening.

Can I have a baptism at St Bartholomew’s?

You or your child can be christened at St Bartholomew’s if you

• live in the parish of Chipping;  or
• regularly worship at St Bartholomew’s, Chipping; or
• have previously lived in the parish of Chipping, or have a similar strong, local family connection with St Bartholomew’s.

When do baptisms happen?

Baptisms take place in the main Sunday morning service.

Choosing godparents.

Godparents are necessary if a person is too young to make the baptism promises for themselves. 

• Godparents should feel ready to make some big promises about faith for your child in church.
• Godparents must be baptized themselves. Ideally they will also have been confirmed.
• Every child should have at least three godparents, two of the same sex and at least one of the opposite sex to your child.

How do I arrange a baptism?

The first step is simply come to one of our Sunday services and have a word with the Vicar afterwards.

To find out more about Church of England Christenings in general visit churchofenglandchristenings.org