Baptisms

Baptisms and christenings

Whether it is for your child or for yourself, you are very welcome. You do not need to be a churchgoer to ask.

A christening and a baptism are the same thing. It is the service where somebody is welcomed into the church family, and it is a happy morning — families come with grandparents, godparents, friends and usually a good deal of noise, all of which is fine.

When they happen

Baptisms are usually at the 10am Sung Family Mass on the first Sunday of the month, as part of the main service, so the congregation can welcome the person being baptised rather than hear about it afterwards.

If that Sunday is difficult for your family, say so when you get in touch. It is not a rule.

Who can be baptised

Anybody. Children of any age, and adults too. You do not have to live in the parish, you do not have to come to church already, and nobody will ask you to prove anything about what you believe.

If you are an adult thinking about baptism, or were baptised as a baby and are wondering about confirmation, the Vicar would be glad to talk it through with no obligation at all.

Godparents

Godparents should themselves be baptised. Beyond that there is no minimum number and no test — choose the people who will actually be there as your child grows up. We will talk about what they are promising when we meet.

How to arrange one

Fill this in and we will arrange to meet, or simply ring — whichever you would rather. Nothing is arranged until we have spoken.

Telephone the parish office on 020 4630 7051
Email [email protected]

There is no charge for a baptism.

Send us an enquiry

Who is to be baptised?

Their full name. This can be a child of any age, or an adult.

Their date of birth (optional)

If you know it. It helps us prepare the register entry.

Mother's name (optional)

As you would like it to appear on the certificate.

Father's name (optional)

How can we reply? — we need at least one

Your telephone number

Your email address

Your address (optional)

Is there a date you have in mind? (optional)

In your own words is fine. Nothing is held or agreed until we have spoken.

Anything else you would like us to know (optional)

Nothing is required here. If there is something about your family we should know before we meet, this is a good place for it.

Sending this does not arrange a baptism or hold a date. It starts a conversation.

This check confirms you are a person rather than a program, so the office is not buried in automated messages. If it will not let you through, please telephone or email the parish office instead — that always works.

Afterwards

Children are part of the life of this church, not visitors to it — there is a children’s corner for under 8s every week, and Children’s Church and Youth Church on many Sundays. See children and young people.