Baptism
Christening and Baptism are two different names for the same thing; they are both a service of welcome into the Christian family.
The difference is that the word 'Christening' is used for a baby or a child, while the word 'Baptism' is used for a young person or adult.
In the Church of England, babies are christened at their local parish church. If you live in the parish of All Souls, then your child may be christened at this church. If you don’t live in the parish, but you were married here, or your wider family live in the parish and this is your ‘home’ church, then you can still have your child christened here. It is our joy to welcome your baby into the Christian family.
Baptisms normally take place on the last Sunday of the month. We believe that it is a wonderful moment, not only for the individual and their family, but also for us as a Christian Community. To this end we encourage people to have baptism during the main service on Sundays at 10am. Normally a Sunday before the baptism the candidate for baptism (and parents) will be introduced to the congregation and a prayer of preparation for baptism said.
If you are considering baptism in our church, please contact Jean Lewis.
We recognise that sometimes, for reasons beyond their control, that this is not an appropriate time for some families and on these occasions the Baptism can take place after the main service. Please contact the Vicar to discuss this further.
Baptism is an outpouring of the Holy Spirit of God: we ask you to pray for those who have been baptised in our church and for those who are seeking this Sacrament.
If you want to discover more about choosing, planning and going to a Church of England christening, please see the Church of England’s website.
The difference is that the word 'Christening' is used for a baby or a child, while the word 'Baptism' is used for a young person or adult.
In the Church of England, babies are christened at their local parish church. If you live in the parish of All Souls, then your child may be christened at this church. If you don’t live in the parish, but you were married here, or your wider family live in the parish and this is your ‘home’ church, then you can still have your child christened here. It is our joy to welcome your baby into the Christian family.
Baptisms normally take place on the last Sunday of the month. We believe that it is a wonderful moment, not only for the individual and their family, but also for us as a Christian Community. To this end we encourage people to have baptism during the main service on Sundays at 10am. Normally a Sunday before the baptism the candidate for baptism (and parents) will be introduced to the congregation and a prayer of preparation for baptism said.
If you are considering baptism in our church, please contact Jean Lewis.
We recognise that sometimes, for reasons beyond their control, that this is not an appropriate time for some families and on these occasions the Baptism can take place after the main service. Please contact the Vicar to discuss this further.
Baptism is an outpouring of the Holy Spirit of God: we ask you to pray for those who have been baptised in our church and for those who are seeking this Sacrament.
If you want to discover more about choosing, planning and going to a Church of England christening, please see the Church of England’s website.
Please note: we are unable to celebrate the sacrament of baptism during Advent season (prior to Christmas Day) and Lent (prior to Easter Day) or during the month of August (sebatical period), however please check with us to confirm all possible dates and arrangements.
How much does it cost?
There are no fees to pay the church for a Christening. In order to cover the cost of the christening candle, certificate, heating and lighting of the church, we warmly recommend a donation.
I’m an adult, how do I get baptised?
Young people and adults are very welcome to be baptised and the Bishop recommends that we now do adult baptism and confirmation together. It involves attending a short course where you learn more about the Christian faith.
Please see the Church of England’s web page on adult baptisms.