First steps on an amazing journey
The arrival of a child in a family, by birth or adoption is usually a time of great celebration. Many parents seek Christening for their child. During a Christening, your child will be baptised and will be adopted into God’s family, the church. In the service we will pray for the child, their parents and Godparents that they will bring the child up to know and to love God through Jesus. Baptism is so special that it can only be done once in a lifetime. So that parents can make a positive decision to baptise their child, fully understanding the commitment to God and the Church involved, we ask you to attend a Baptism Preparation evening with other families. At that meeting, we explain the church’s teaching on Baptism, and talk about the practical arrangements for Baptism here. At the end of the evening, if you want to, you can book a date for the Baptism. A child can be baptised in our parish if you live here, or if there is a strong connection with this parish, but this will need to be agreed by clergy.
Some families decide that Baptism is not right for them and for their child, but nonetheless want to celebrate the arrival of a child in their family and ask for God’s blessing on them. In that case, we are pleased to offer a service of Thanksgiving for the Gift of the Child. We cover this possibility in our preparation meetings.
After a Baptism, you will be invited to attend the next Praise Together service at St Boniface Church at which your child will be welcomed by the whole church community and receive their baptismal candle. We hope that your family will make this service your regular church “home”.
To book your attendance at a preparation meeting, please contact the parish office.
For lots of helpful information about Baptism, visit the Church of England’s Christenings website where it is also possible to light a candle for your child.
A prayer for a child
Creator God,
We thank you for the gift of the life of this child.
May your blessing of peace and joy be with them and protect them all of their days.
We make this prayer in the name of your Son, Jesus.
Amen.