We welcome enquiries for baptism from those who live in the parish or those who are regular worshippers at St Mary’s. Sometimes people use the word ‘christening’ to refer to baptism. In fact, we’re talking about the same service and both names imply initiation into the Christian faith.

Whether you are seeking a baptism for your child, or you want to be baptised yourself, you will be making promises before God and the congregation about your belief in God and how you want to follow the example and teachings of Jesus. These are important promises and to help prepare for a baptism we will invite you to a baptism preparation meeting, usually held on a Saturday morning, alongside other families who have booked a baptism at St Mary’s. This will give us a chance to explain what happens during the service and why, and for you to explore the Christian faith more deeply and ask any questions you may have. Once we’ve set the date for the baptism we’ll let you know when the next preparation meeting will be. Baptisms are normally conducted at 11.15 am on the Third, Fourth and Fifth Sundays of the month and occasionally can be held during the 9.30 am Parish Eucharist. Please make sure that you book the date with us and ensure it is available before sending out invitations or booking a venue for a baptism party!

When a child is baptised they normally have two or three Godparents whose job it is to pray for your child and to help you as parents to support your child as they grow in faith. A child will need at least one male and one female Godparent and to be a Godparent that person needs to be 16 or over and have been baptised themselves. We do not usually permit more than four Godparents for each child.

For those that don’t wish to undertake the solemn promises of Baptism, then there are options to have an infant blessing and thanksgiving. Please get in touch so we can discuss this.