Baptism, Thanksgiving & Dedication

If you are a new parent or are expecting your baby soon, congratulations. Everyone at St Mary’s is delighted that you are considering a service to celebrate your child, and we are here to support you every step of the way.

At St Mary’s, we offer two services for families:

  • Baptism
  • Thanksgiving and Dedication

Many people refer to both of these as a Christening.

Which service is right for your family?

Baptism

Baptism is a sacrament of the Church, marking the beginning of a lifelong journey of faith. During the service:

  • Water is gently sprinkled on your child as a symbol of cleansing and new life.
  • Parents and Godparents stand before the congregation and make promises to help raise the child in the Christian faith.

Preparation & Attendance To support you in these promises, we ask parents (and godparents where possible) to attend at least four 11am Sunday morning services in the two months before the Baptism. A date can be arranged in advance, but may be deferred if the attendance requirement is not met. A Baptism Certificate is provided after the service.

Thanksgiving & Dedication

This service is a joyful way to thank God for your child and ask for His blessing on your family.

  • No water is used.
  • No promises are required from parents or godparents.
  • The minister prays for your child and dedicates them to God.

Attendance at Sunday services is encouraged, but not required.

This option is often chosen by families who do not currently attend church regularly but still wish to celebrate their child in a Christian setting.

A young person who genuinely wishes to be baptised, understands the commitment, and is judged mature enough, can be baptised.

Baptism Preparation Course

Parents seeking Baptism for their child are invited to attend a short preparation session, usually a single session with parents and godparents together. Baptism dates are confirmed after the preparation session has been completed.

Godparents’ Requirements

Godparents play a special role in supporting your child’s spiritual life. To serve as a godparent, a person must:

  • Be already baptised themselves
  • Be at least 16 years old
  • Not be the child’s parent

We recommend three Godparents, though you may choose two (traditionally one male and one female). You may have up to five Godparents in total.

Ready to Begin?

Once you have read the information above, please complete the online form below to register for the preparation course and to begin arranging your child’s service.

Please fill in the 'Life Events Enquiry Form' below:

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Baptism and Thanksgiving & Dedication?

Baptism is a sacrament of the Church and includes water as a sign of new life in Christ. Parents and godparents make promises about raising the child in the Christian faith. Thanksgiving & Dedication is a joyful service giving thanks for your child, without water and without promises. Both are sometimes called a Christening.

Do I need to attend church before the service?

For Baptism, parents (and godparents if possible) are asked to attend four Sunday morning services in the two months before the Baptism. For Thanksgiving & Dedication, attendance is encouraged, but not required.

Why is there an attendance requirement for Baptism?

Because Baptism includes making public promises about raising your child in the Christian faith, attending services helps you feel confident and supported in those promises.

Can we book a Baptism date before completing the attendance?

Yes. A date can be arranged in advance, but it may be deferred if the attendance requirement isn’t met. This is at the discretion of the clergy working with your family.

What is the Baptism preparation course?

It’s a single session held every few months for parents (and godparents if they can attend). It helps you understand the meaning of Baptism and what to expect on the day. Baptism dates are confirmed after this session.

Do we need godparents?

Yes, for Baptism you will need godparents. For Thanksgiving & Dedication, godparents are optional, but welcome.

How many godparents can we have?

We recommend three, but you may choose between two and five. If you choose two, tradition suggests one male and one female.

What are the requirements for godparents?

A godparent must:

  • Be already baptised themselves
  • Be at least 16 years old
  • Not be the child’s parent

What if we don’t regularly attend church?

Many families in this situation choose a Thanksgiving & Dedication service. It is a beautiful way to celebrate your child without making promises for which you may not feel ready.

Is there a certificate?

Yes. Baptism services include a certificate to mark the occasion.

How do we register?

Simply complete the online form above to register for the preparation course and begin arranging your child’s service.


Safeguarding Notice

St Mary’s Parish Church is committed to the safety and wellbeing of every child. Baptism and Thanksgiving services for children are carried out only with the consent of a parent or legal guardian, except where a young person is able to make an informed decision for themselves. In every case, clergy will follow Church of England safeguarding guidance and ensure that the child’s welfare is at the centre of all decisions.