There is no charge for a baptism, ever. It is one of the few things in life that is genuinely free.
Who can be baptised?
Anyone. Babies and small children are usually brought by parents, with godparents alongside them. Older children can be baptised, and so can adults, often together with confirmation. If you live in one of our six parishes you are entitled to be baptised in your parish church.
You do not need to be married, or a churchgoer, to ask.
How it works
- Get in touchRing Phili or the team administrator, and say roughly when you were hoping for.
- Choose the serviceMost baptisms happen within a normal Sunday service, so that the congregation can welcome the person properly. A quieter service by arrangement is also perfectly possible.
- Choose godparentsTraditionally three, and they should be baptised themselves. Parents can also be godparents.
- A conversation beforehandAbout the promises you will make, and what happens on the day.
Thanksgiving instead
If you would like to mark a birth and give thanks, but are not ready to make the promises baptism asks for, there is a short service of Thanksgiving for the Gift of a Child. It can be held in church or at home, and it does not rule out baptism later.
For older children and adults who were baptised as babies, confirmation is the moment of speaking for yourself. The Bishop comes; there is preparation beforehand. Ask Phili when the next group is running.