In response to a number of questions which are regularly asked by parents wishing to have their child baptized, we have put together this page of frequently asked questions:
Q. What is the difference between a Baptism and a Christening?
A. There is no difference – they are simply different words for the same thing.
Q. Can we have a private service of Baptism?
A. Not normally. Baptisms take place in the church’s main service, because they are a public declaration that your child has become part of the church family. Consequently, it is vitally important that the church congregation is there to support you and welcome your child. However, if exceptional personal circumstances make this difficult, please contact us to discuss.
Q. What is the right age for Baptism?
A. Baptism can happen at any age. What matters most is that those concerned are fully committed to bringing up their child as a Christian within the family of the Church.
Teenagers and adults may also be baptized. This is celebrated with confirmation by the Bishop. You can only be baptized once, but there are ways of renewing your Christian commitment publicly as an adult – our clergy team will be able to advise you.
Q. I’m not a regular churchgoer. Can I still have my child baptized?
A. Yes. The Church believes that God’s love is available to everyone, regardless of their background. However, the minister will probably suggest that you first have a service of ‘Thanksgiving for the Birth of a Child’ and find out more about the Christian faith and what joining the Church involves before you make a firm decision about Baptism.
Q. What does it cost?
A. A Baptism service is completely free, though there may be a small charge for an official certificate.
For more information or if you have any further questions, please do feel free to contact our Parish Administrator, Claire Morrell-Stone, on office@bramcoteparishchurch.com