Christening your child

When your child is born you may experience a range of emotions: delight and celebration; awe and wonder; thankfulness and maybe a concern about what the future holds. As Christians we would encourage you to say "thankyou" to God in prayer, and to ask His blessing on your child.

Since the time of Jesus, Christian parents have not only prayed for their children but Baptized them as well. In baptism we symbolize becoming a Christian. In the Baptism Service we promise to follow Jesus. Parents and Godparents promise not only to bring up their child as a Christian, but also to pray for them, and to encourage them by their own example to take an active part in the life of the Church.

What is commonly called Christening is the same thing as the Baptism of a child. At St Thomas' all baptisms take place in the main morning service after some simple preparation. Parents who would like their child baptized are invited to:

• Attend a Sunday Service.
• Complete a simple application
• Return to Church for Thanksgiving Prayers.
• Attend two preparation meetings

The Baptism Service often takes place about three months after parents first attend a Sunday Service and ask for a christening to take place. There is no charge for a Baptism.

 

You must live within this Parish

The whole of England is divided into "Parishes" and everybody has the right to have their child baptized in their parish church. If you want to check whether you live in St Thomas' Parish then follow the link here.
If you do not live in the parish then you can only have a service here if you regularly attend the church and become a member (join the Church Electoral Roll). To discuss this or any other aspect of a proposed baptism please contact the Vicar.