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Christenings and Confirmations

Anyone can get in touch with a church to find about having their child Christened.

During a Christening your child will be baptized with water.

It’s the start of an amazing journey of faith for your child and a special day for all your friends and family.

A christening, or baptism, is a special service where we give thanks to God for someone.

It's also a service where promises are made to follow God, either by the person being baptised or, if they're too young, by godparents on their behalf.  

It costs nothing to get christened in the Church of England, and it's a wonderful way to start a journey of faith. 

For further information about the services, or to enquire about Confirmation, please contact your parish directly.

You can find out more about christening and baptism on this Church of England website.

Baptisms are a key part of every church's life, and are often a time of joy and celebration.

The Church of England also offers a separate thanksgiving service as a way of giving thanks to God for a child.

These can suit those who want to give thanks for a new child without wanting to go as far as a baptism, or can be used in addition to the christening service.

For more information on baptism in the Church of England: https://churchofenglandchristenings.org

Last modified on Monday, 08 November 2021 13:27

Here are our top ten most frequently asked questions about getting your baby or child christened.

1. What is the difference between a Baptism and a Christening?

There is no difference between a Christening service and a Baptism service. Some churches will use the word 'baptism' and some the word 'christening'. Babies are Baptized during a christening service just as couples are 'married' during a 'wedding' service.

2. Can anyone have a Christening service?

Yes, so long as they have not been Baptized already. The Church of England welcomes all babies, children and families for Christenings - whatever shape that family takes. You do not have to be married to ask for a Christening for your child.  You do not have to be an active churchgoer - as parents, you do not even have to have been Christened yourselves. Everyone is welcome at their local church. Just ask your local vicar if this is something you are considering for your baby.

3. What about godparents?

Godparents are some of the most important people at the Christening. Godparents are not the people who will care for your child should anything happen to you. Arrangements for this would normally be made by a Will. Rather, they should be people who will be there for your child and help them think about the bigger questions in life - questions of love, hope and faith.

Every child should have at least three godparents, two of the same sex and at least one of the opposite sex. Parents may be godparents for their own children, providing they have at least one other godparent. Godparents must be baptized themselves and old enough to make some serious promises on behalf of the child.

4. How much does a Christening service cost?

The good news is that a Christening service is free. There may be costs for your family party afterwards, for gifts, or for christening robes, but the church service is free. [Occasionally parents need a certified copy of the entry in the register. In 2014 this will cost £12]

5. Where can we hold the Christening?

You can have your baby Christened at your local parish church and it is usually held as part of the main Sunday service. If you want to have the christening at a different church, for example, where you grew up or where you were married, you will need to talk to the vicar at that church.

6. Can we arrange a Christening at a separate time to the Sunday service?

There may be opportunities to have a service at a different time, again usually on a Sunday, but talk to the vicar and ask their advice about what is possible at your church.

7. How do I arrange a Christening?

Simply contact the vicar of the church where you want to have the Christening and ask for advice.

You can find your local Church of England parish using our website: www.achurchnearyou.com.

8. How old should my child be?

You can have your baby or child Christened at any age. There is no upper age limit, but after about the age of seven your child may be able to make the promises for themselves. Talk to your vicar about baptizing an older child and how this might differ from a baby's Christening service.

9. What happens in the service?

At your baby's Christening, water will be blessed and poured on the baby's head - this is the baptism of your baby (the word 'baptism' means 'to be immersed in water'). The baby will be signed with the cross and a special oil may be used for this. A candle or other gift from the church may be given. Godparents and parents will make promises on behalf of the baby, and prayers will be offered for the baby and the family. There may also be readings and hymns, which you may be able to choose - ask your vicar if you have any special requests.

10. What exactly is Baptism?

Baptism marks the beginning of a journey with God which continues for the rest of our lives. This first step is a response to God's love. It is also a celebration, a time to come together with family and friends; remembering that your child is loved by God, is part of a wider community and has a place with God's people.

 

 

 

Last modified on Friday, 10 July 2020 12:15

 

Eternal God,

Stir up in us the gifts of your Spirit for the service of your gospel, that we – so blessed by your grace – may  discern your call in our lives and respond courageously and obediently, bringing forth the fruits of the Spirit in ministries of rich variety. Take us and use us, to love and serve others in the power of the Holy Spirit and in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen

 

 

Note:     This Prayer may be used within the Intercessions or as a Post-Communion Prayer or at any other suitable point in the service. The Bishops request that it be included in all Confirmation Services through the year as we, as a diocese, reflect on our calling as individual disciples and as the Body of Christ sharing in the mission and ministry of God.

 

Confirmation returns and liturgy guidance for clergy can be found here.

Last modified on Monday, 08 November 2021 14:18

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