Child baptism at St Michael and All Angels

Baptism takes place in a service often called a Christening. In this service parents thank God for his gift of life, make a decision to start their child on a journey of faith and the godparents promise help and support. The church also promises to welcome the child and to pray for the family.

It is also a celebration, a time to come together with family and friends; remembering that your child is loved by God.

What is the difference between a Baptism and a Christening ?
There is no difference between a Baptism service and a Christening they are simply different words for the same thing.

Can anyone have a Baptism service in church?
Yes, so long as they have not been Baptised already. The Church of England welcomes all children and families for Baptisms – whatever shape that family takes. You do not have to be married to ask for a Baptism for your child. You do not have to have been a regular churchgoer – as parents, you do not even have to have been Baptised yourselves. Everyone is welcome at their local church.

What Happens at a Baptism Service?
Parents and godparents, family and friends will be asked by the priest to gather around the baptismal font. Godparents and parents will make promises on behalf of the child. The priest will ask the parents and godparents to make declarations on behalf of the child. The water in the font will be blessed and poured on the baby’s head – this is the actual baptism of your child (the word ‘baptism’ means ‘to be immersed in water’). The child will be signed on the forehead with the sign of the cross. You will be given a candle as a reminder of the light of Christ which has come into your child’s life.

The Baptism will usually take place in church on a Sunday, and will be after the normal Sunday service, or can be part of the 10.00am service.

What about Godparents?
Godparents are some of the most important people at the Baptism. They are 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 three godparents, two of the same sex and at least one of the opposite sex. At least two of the godparents must be baptised themselves.

What do I do now?
Please complete this baptism form.

We will ask you as parents to attend a baptism preparation session, where we will go through what happens in the service and answer any other questions you may have. This will be a short, informal session, normally held in church and with one or both of the Licensed Lay Ministers.