Q. What is the difference between Baptism and Christening?

Essentially there is no difference. Baptism is the process of either being immersed in or sprinkled with water as a symbolic way of welcoming someone into the Church and affirming their faith in Christ. Christening was originally a word used to describe the moment within the Baptism service when the child was given their Christian name. Nowadays, people often use the two words interchangeably. If you want a ‘Christening’ and the Vicar says ‘Baptism’, don’t worry – you’re talking about the same thing!

Q. What is the right age for Baptism?

Baptism can happen at any age. What matters is that those concerned believe it is right to ask for baptism. Adults and older children will be expected to answer for themselves, and so they must be willing to be baptised and able to express their own Christian faith. For younger children, we are happy to baptise on the instruction of the parents.

Q. When and where can the service take place?

The service would usually take place in St Bart’s Church. Canon Law prevents us from conducting baptisms in people’s homes or elsewhere unless there is “grave cause and necessity”. An example would be an emergency situation for someone who is gravely ill and cannot get to church. Otherwise, all baptisms take place in church.

You can either have it as part of the main Sunday service in that church. You can find out more about our regular Sunday Services and times here. Alternatively, some families opt for a short service around lunchtime on a Sunday afternoon in what is known as a ‘private’ service.

If you would like to have a baptism in a ‘private’ service, we do ask that you join us for our next monthly All Together Worship Service Sunday morning service when the church congregation are present. At that time we can present you with your certificate and welcome you formally as part of the church.

Q. How much does it cost to have a service?

Both baptism and thanksgiving services are free because God’s love to us is free! In a private Baptism Service we would ask for donations if people feel that they can without pressure or obligation.

Q. I was baptised as a baby, can I be baptised again?

You can only be baptised once, but there are ways of renewing your Christian commitment publicly as an adult and we would be happy to discuss those options with you, please do get in touch via our contact form.

Q. I don’t live in the parish, can I (or my child) be baptised here?

Potentially yes. If you regularly attend church here, then of course it makes sense to have the service of Baptism or Thanksgiving here. If you don’t regularly attend church here, we would encourage you to first consider having the service at your local church since the Church of England website notes that part of baptism is about ‘asking for the Church’s support’ and also ‘becoming a member of the local and worldwide Christian family’. Both of which are pretty much impossible to do if you are not in church and don’t live in the locality.

Q. I’m not a regular churchgoer yet, can I still have my child baptised?

Yes, the Church believes that God’s love is available to all, regardless of their background or how familiar you may be with the Church. Every church in the Church of England has a duty to baptise all those who desire it. Having said that, if you don’t go to church regularly and don’t feel you can, in all integrity and honesty, make the promises that a Baptism demands, you have two options. You could either look at the Thanksgiving service as a better option for you and your child or you could ask the Vicar to help you ‘prepare’ for Baptism in a more detailed way so that you feel ready for the service and able to make the promises honestly.

Q. Do we need to be married as the child’s parents to be eligible?

No, there is no requirement in the Church of England’s Canons for a child’s parents to be married in order to be eligible to be baptised. We are pleased to welcome everyone regardless of their family circumstances.

Q. My question wasn’t answered on this page, how can I ask my question?

If you have anything else you want to ask, please contact Rev Kelly via our contact form. She will be glad to help you and answer your question.