We welcome people of any age for Baptism, also called Christening. Being baptised is how someone becomes a part of the Church. As people connect with God at all stages of their lives, baptism as an adult is a wonderful experience. The water of Baptism symbolises the washing away of sin and gives the gift of new life in Christ as part of the Body of Christ - The Church. Children are precious to God and at baptism parents promise to raise their child to know God loves them, and to help them to follow Jesus as a member of the Church.
Alternatively, if you do not feel able to make any promises, or wish your child to choose for themselves in adult life whether or not to be part of the Church, we are more than happy to organize a Thanksgiving service in any of our churches.
We offer various options for baptisms in our group of churches to accommodate your preferences.
Useful links
General information on baptisms in the Church of England
For more information, please contact the church office, Tel: 0118 934 4792, email: office@thru-christ.org.uk
After your initial enquiry about a baptism, we will be in contact to help you make arrangements for the date. You will also need to attend a meeting with the vicar which will help you to prepare for the promises you make for your child in Baptism. The baptisms normally take place during The 1030 Sunday service so that we can welcome your child into our congregation.
AAfter your initial enquiry about a baptism, we will be in contact to help you make arrangements for the date. You will also need to attend a meeting with the vicar which will help you to prepare for the promises you make for your child in Baptism. At St James’, we would love this to be part of our 9am Sunday service so that we can welcome your child into our congregation. If a baptism is arranged separately, then we will need to arrange a date to welcome your child into one of our main services at St Mary's.
After your initial enquiry about a baptism, you will be contacted by a member of the Church to discuss the arrangements. The baptisms are held within the 10:30am Sunday service.
Confirmation
Confirmation marks the point in the Christian journey when those who have been baptised as children make a firm commitment to Christian discipleship.
Through prayer and the laying on of hands by a Bishop, the church also asks God to give those being confirmed power, though the Holy Spirit, to live the life of discipleship
If you are interested in taking this next step in your Christian faith, then please do get in touch by contacting the Church Office office@thru-christ.org.uk.
After the baptism
As your child's baptism anniversaries approach you will be invited to remember this special occasion for the first few years in The 1030 Service at St Mary’s by the relighting of the baptism candle. Children of all ages and their families are always welcome in our churches. As your child grows up, we have lots of activities for them to explore.
Tots on Tuesdays The 1030 Sunday Groups