Bringing children into the world is one of the most wonderful experiences and opportunities we can ever hope to have. It is also natural to want to say thank you to God for the gift of a newborn child.

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Adults and children can be Christened (Baptised) at a Baptism service usually held at 11.15 on a given Sunday of the month at St Mary’s. Optionally this may take place during one of our main services.

Children are baptised in the Church of England at any age from a tiny baby onwards.

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Godparents

Children can have three godparents – girls two godmothers and one godfather and boys two godfathers and one godmother. Godparents should be Baptised and Confirmed and will normally be at least 16 years of age.

Eligibility

To qualify for baptism in one of our churches you must live in one of our parishes or be on the Church Electoral Roll of the parish. If you were married in one of our churches but have now moved away and this is your first child we are sometimes able to baptise your child.

Preparation

Before your child is baptised, you will be invited to come to a preparation session, normally held in St Mary’s Hall. One of the clergy will lead the sessions and will answer any questions you may have.

Godparents are also encouraged to attend this session as they will find out the specific role which they can play in your child’s Christian upbringing.

Those who are old enough to understand and make the promises themselves will need three sponsors rather than Godparents. They would be expected to consider Confirmation.

To arrange a Christening or a Thanksgiving for your child please contact the Benefice Administrator.

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Thanksgiving for the Gift of a Child

This service provides an opportunity for parents and families to give thanks for the birth or adoption of a child and to pray for family life. It may be a private celebration at home or in hospital, or it may be a public celebration in church, sometimes with a number of children. This service is not the same as Baptism, it does not assume commitment to the Christian faith and to membership of the Church.

If you would like this service of Thanksgiving for the Gift of a Child soon after the birth or you think that this service might be more honest and realistic for you instead of Baptism, please be in touch with the Administrator or one of the clergy.