Christening/Baptism
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 'baptised' during a 'christening' service just as couples are 'married' during a wedding service.
Christening is a traditional English word which means to become a member of the Christian church. Baptism means to be immersed in water. During a christening service a baby or child will be baptised with water and welcomed into the community of the local church.
Excepting special circumstances, you will need to live in or worship at one of our parishes to have your child or yourself baptised at any of our churches.
Parents and Godparents will need to have been baptised themselves. If you are not, we would be happy to talk with you about baptising you at the same service as your child!
At a baptism for a young child both parents and godparents will be asked to promise in the service that they will do what they can to bring the child up as a Christian, and we promise that we will make her/him welcome as part of the church.
If you would like more information about baptism you can visit the Church of England website or contact a member of the clergy team.