Christening or Baptism

We are delighted that you are considering having your child Christened. Many people ask us ‘what is the difference between a Christening and a Baptism’ well, the simple answer is… nothing! Christening is just a more widely used word than Baptism, but the service is the same either way. Your child’s baptism is a very important occasion both for the Church and for your family.

Baptisms at St. Mary’s take place either within the main service at 9.30am or at a special baptism service at 12noon on the last Sunday in the month.

We hope that it will be a happy and memorable occasion for all concerned and, like everything else important in life; your child’s Christening will require careful planning and preparation.

Your first step is to visit the church or to telephone Carolyn, the Vicar, to let her know that you are considering a baptism. She will explain the next steps in the process of preparing for Baptism.

This will include attending a regular Sunday service and also a preparation meeting with one of the ministry team.

One of the most important consideration when planning a baptism is planning how you can become involved in the life of the Church where the baptism is to take place. In various places on this website you can find information about our groups for parents with pre-school children called Little Lambs. We hope that you will want to join us for worship too. If you are new to worship here at St. Mary’s Church the most accessible of our services is our family service which takes place on the third Sunday of every month at 9.30am.

Questions that are often asked

Who can be a Godparent?

You should have at least two Godparents: one of each gender. It is important that you choose people who will take an interest in your child’s spiritual welfare and who will pray for you and your child. They should be baptised themselves and mature enough to act as a Godparent. Godparents can be family members or friends.

What happens if one of the Godparents can’t come to the Baptism?

Of course, they will make every effort to attend if they possibly can, but sometimes this is impossible. This doesn’t stop them from being a Godparent.

We’re not married – can our child still be baptised?

Yes. If you would like to discuss the possibility of getting married, the Vicar would be delighted to talk to you.

Can older children or adults be baptised?

Yes. If you are considering this, please have a word with a member of the ministry team.

We don’t live in Broomfield ~ can we have our baby baptised here?

It is usual to have your baby baptised in the parish where you live so that your child can be welcomed and grow in your local church family. However, if there are particular reasons why you would like to have a baptism here (e.g. family links), it may be possible to arrange with the agreement of your own local minister.

What does it cost?

Baptism is a symbol of God’s love for us which is freely given. We make no charge!

If you are considering getting Your Child baptised at St. Mary’s Church please contact the Vicar, Revd. Carolyn Tibbott to talk it through.

God our creator, we thank you for the gift of our child entrusted to our care. May we be patient and understanding, Ready to guide and to forgive, so that through our love they may come to know your love; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen