Christenings (Baptisms) & Thanksgivings
We are delighted that
you are thinking about having your child baptised and hope this page will help you
make your plans.
Baptism for babies and children takes place in a service often called a Christening. In this service, parents and Godparents thank God for his gift of life and make a decision to start their child on a journey of faith.
The church also promises to welcome the child and to pray for the family.
You may also find the Church of England Christenings page helpful. It contains answers to many of the questions that you may have.
The information below will guide you through the simple process of booking a Christening, starting with the Enquirers' Meeting, and will give you some useful information.
Christenings take place in St Augustine's (Dodderhill), St Andrew's, St Nicholas' and St Peter's, St Michael's Salwarpe and St Michael & All Angels Martin Hussingtree with preparation and booking happening centrally as the information below will explain.
We look forward to helping you plan and book your child's special day.
Thanksgiving Service
Some families decide to have a Thanksgiving Service rather than a Christening. This service is an opportunity to gather with you friends and family to give thanks for your child, but does not involve promises being made by parents and godparents to nurture the child in the christian faith. Just ask if you would like to know more about this option.Adult Baptism
Baptisms also take place for those who have come to faith later in life and who were not christened as a child. If you would like to find out more about being baptised, then contact the Parish Office.
First step.......
Contact us to let us know that you would like to arrange a christening or baptism.We will then send you a form, as well as talk to you about which church you would like the christening to take place at and also if you have any dates in mind.
Once the christening is booked we will then arrange to come and see you to talk through the service, the meaning and traditions of christenings, as well as to get to know you a little. This will be a very informal conversation, but will give the opportunity for you to ask any questions that you have.
We make no charge for a Christening. It is free, because it is about the free gift of God's love, life and forgiveness.
The Christening
Christenings can take place on different days and times, so we will explain the options to find what is right for you.
The vicar will lead you through the service. There is nothing to learn or remember. Some parts of the service will be for everyone to join in with; some will be for parents and the godparents. When you bring your child for Christening, you will be asked to say that you believe in God and will bring your child up to follow Jesus.
The declarations made by parents and the child's godparents will be made in front of the church congregation and the local Christian community will promise to support you and pray for you and your child.
We hope that this information is helpful, but if you have any questions please do feel free to contact the office and we will be happy to help you.