Baptism, sometimes called Christening, is a joyful occasion when we welcome a new member into the family of the Church. Whether for a child or an adult, baptism marks the beginning of a lifelong journey of faith.
At St Oswald’s, we are always delighted to hear from families who wish to arrange a baptism. The information below explains how the process works.
When Baptisms Take Place
Baptisms normally take place:
- During the main 11 am Sunday service, or
- At 1 pm on the 4th Sunday of the month (a separate, more informal service).
We aim to keep these services personal and meaningful, so we usually book only one family if the baptism is during the main service, or up to two families at a 1 pm baptism (depending on numbers attending).
Who Can Be Baptised at St Oswald’s
We welcome:
- Anyone living in the parish, or
- Those who have a connection to St Oswald’s (for example, family ties, previous attendance, or links through school or community).
If you live outside the parish, you’ll need to get written permission from your own parish church before we can confirm your booking.
How to Arrange a Baptism
- Make an enquiry
You can speak with Stuart our churchwarden after a service, he will take some basic information and guide you through the first steps. Alternately you can contact via Get in touch on the website. - Complete a Baptism Form
We’ll can send you a short form to fill in with the details of the person being baptised, parents/carers, and godparents. A blank copy is also available to download on this page. - Agree a Date
The date is confirmed only once a priest is available. This is checked by our team before anything is booked. - Meet to Talk About the Service
Before the baptism day, one of our church visitors will meet you (usually after a Sunday service) to talk through what happens — including what parents and godparents will say during the service. - On the Day
Everything will be ready for you — the baptism register, candle, and any godparent cards. Please arrive about 15 minutes early so everyone can settle before the service begins.
Before the Baptism
We warmly invite you to attend a Sunday service before your baptism date. There’s no attendance requirement, but it’s a lovely way to experience the church community and meet the people who will be welcoming you.
After the Baptism
You’ll receive a baptism candle as a reminder of this special day, and you’re always welcome to join us for worship, family events, or community activities at St Oswald’s.
Future Plans
This is our current way of organising baptisms while we are between vicars. Once a new vicar joins us, we’ll review and confirm a benefice-wide policy.
14/10/25