We are delighted that you are considering having your child Christened, and would consider it a privilege to be part of your special day.
This link will take you to our application form which, once completed, will enable us to put everything in place for you.
If this type of form is difficult for you, please email your address to: [email protected] and we will send you a paper copy.
It is normal for you to have some questions about the day, and we are always here to help in any way we can.
We have listed some of the most commonly asked questions:
What is the difference between Christening and Baptism?
There is no difference, with some churches using the word ‘Christening’ and others the word ‘Baptism’. The moment when your child has water poured on their head is the actual baptism and is at the heart of the service. Babies are baptized during a Christening service just as couples are ‘married’ during a ‘wedding’ service.
Do I have to attend church to have my child Christened?
No – while we would love to have you join us at our services it is certainly not a requirement.
Do I have to live in one of the villages?
Anyone living in one of our ten villages has a right to be Christened in our churches. Others should have some connection to us, but this is very flexible. As a courtesy though, they should notify the Vicar of their home parish.
Do Christenings have to be on a Sunday?
Where a family have good reason to want a stand-alone service, such as distance to travel or lack of availability on Sundays, even a strong preference for a particular Vicar, please speak to us and we will do our best to accommodate you.
Is it really necessary for Godparents to be Christened?
Yes – but where they are not, we can arrange their Baptism before your child’s Christening. If necessary, this can be done during the same service, although it often happens the week, or day, before.
Adults do not need Godparents; they need to have a minimum of two sponsors who present the candidates and act as witnesses. This can be the parents (if they are baptised) but can also be church members present on the day.
How many godparents can I have?
Every child should have at least three godparents, two the same gender and at least one of the opposite gender to your child. Although there is no official maximum number of godparents, three or four is usual. If you’d like more than that, talk to your vicar about the practicalities and they will be pleased to advise. All families are different, so if three cannot be found, then two will suffice. Both of you as parents may be godparents for your own child providing they have at least one other godparent.
Are there really no charges for Christenings?
There is no charge for a Christening (Baptism), but naturally donations to the church are always welcome. A collection is taken during each of our services to support church running costs.
Can I take photographs?
We ask that people do not take photos during the service, there is usually plenty of time for posed photographs at the end.
How safe is my data?
Our churches are proud of their strict adherence to GDPR and Safeguarding policies.
You will be asked to sign a statement about GDPR, storing and keeping personal details later when you can select how we use of photographs and consent to specific data storage.
Further information about Christenings may be found at:
https://www.churchofengland.org/life-events/christenings/christening-faqs#na
Christening your child will be it's the first step of an amazing journey with God, their parents, godparents, friends, family and the church.
Your child is precious to you and precious to God. You want the very best for them, and so does God. You want them to make right choices in life, for themselves and for others.
A Christening is just the beginning of this and so much more.
Over the years to come, it’s a journey you’ll share together with your child by being there for them to talk to about the bigger questions of life – questions about hope, faith and love. These will include praying with them through the ups and downs of their faith journey, showing them practically how to make those good choices in life and helping them to learn more about their Christian faith, through their church and in other ways.
So it’s a commitment to start as you mean to go on!
It is usual to have lots of questions about both the meaning of Christenings and what is involved, and we are here to answer those questions and support you in any way we can.