Baptism and Thankgivings
Baptism FAQ's & Baptism Preparation Evening
What’s the difference between Baptism and a Christening?
Baptism is the service in church which many people call a “Christening”.
This is when someone, often a baby is welcomed into the church community, but adults also come to receive baptism too.
What do I have to do to arrange for a Baptism?
Speak to Malcolm (the Vicar) after a service, contact him on 01327 314428 or email him via this site.
We don’t live in one of the Parishes, does that matter?
It’s good to be welcomed into your local Christian community. If you don’t live in one of our parishes then we ask that you contact your local Church of England vicar and get his or her permission for the service to take place here. This is simply a matter of courtesy. The communities we cover are: Badby, Newnham, Charwelton, Fawsley and Preston Capes.
We don’t normally come to church, is that going to be a problem?
No, but we do ask that you attend two services before the baptism so that you and your family feel part of the Church community which you or your child is being welcomed in to.
I’m not baptised, can I still have my child done?
This isn’t a problem, although Godparents do need to have been baptised.
I’m a single parent, is that a problem?
Absolutely not.
We’re not married, will you still baptise our child?
If you’ve had a child together and you’re wanting to commit him or her into God’s care, it sounds like you’re in a pretty stable and long term relationship.
Not being married isn’t a bar to your child’s baptism, but if you’ve got their long-term welfare at heart, maybe now is a good time to think about committing yourselves as a couple into God’s care too.
When do you do Baptism Services?
We only do Baptisms as part of a normal Sunday Service.
What will it cost?
Nothing although some families like to make a donation to the church.
What if I’m not sure that I actually believe in God?
Good question. Sometimes the pressure to have a child baptised comes from outside – parents, friends, relatives e.t.c.
If you’re not sure that you’d feel comfortable publicly declaring a faith in God that you haven’t got then we offer a Service of Thanksgiving and Naming. This is an authorised Church of England service where your child will be named and given thanks for but where there are no expectations placed on you and where your child is also then at liberty to make their own decision about following God for themselves when they have grow up a little.
What happens next?
Have a word with Malcolm and book in on the next Baptism Introduction evening. These take place every three months and explain what Baptism is all about, what will happen at the service and give you a chance to ask any questions too – don’t worry, it's not scary. Please book in at least 24 hours before a Baptism introduction evening is due to take place if you are intending to come as evenings will be cancelled if there are no bookings.
Click here to download our Baptism Application Form and bring it with you to the Baptism Introduction evening.
Baptism Introduction Evenings this year
You must have attended an introduction evening before the baptism or thanksgiving can take place. There are four Baptism Preparation Evenings per year.
The next Baptism Preparation evening is Monday 20th November 7.30pm on Zoom. Please fill in your details below to register.
Malcolm Ingham, 17/01/2021