Baptisms

The celebration of your baby's birth is important in any family and many folk still feel that they would like to have their ​child baptised (christened).This marks their entry into the family of the church - at the baptism your child becomes a new Christian and parents, godparents and the church promise to do all they can to support his/her growth in the faith and to help to make connections with the Christian community.

How?

Your first contact should be with the parish office, and the Secretary will take some basic details and will help you to think about available dates.

When?

Baptism services usually take place in Church at 12 noon on the first and third Sundays of the month.

Where?

When you make your enquiry you will be asked whether you live in the parish. If you do not live in St Mary's parish, you will need the agreement of your own parish priest in order for your child to be baptised here.

Godparents

You will need to think about godparents. Your child should have three godparents (and usually no more than three). The tradition is for there to be two godparents of the same sex as the child, and one of the opposite sex. Godparents must be baptised themselves or they can be a Supporter to the child.

Preparation

You will be invited to a Baptism Preparation session (every 2nd Sunday of the month), usually in the church. It is essential that you attend such a session before your child is baptised.

Cost

Baptism is a free gift from God for us all. There is no charge for a Baptism Service, although the congregation will be invited to make a contribution to the life and work of the church at the end of the service.