Any child can be baptised at St Andrew’s Church, regardless of the family’s church attendance or background. Baptism welcomes a child into the Christian faith and the life of the church.

No. Families of all faith backgrounds are welcome to have their child baptised. Parents are encouraged to attend church, but membership is not required.

Godparents support the child’s Christian upbringing. They: • Pray for the child • Set an example of Christian living • Help nurture the child’s faith journey Church of England guidance recommends at least one godparent (who is baptised and confirmed) but families often choose two or three.

• Must be at least 16 years old • Must be baptised • Ideally confirmed (if a member of the Church of England or another Christian denomination) • Friends or family are usually chosen Non-Christian or non-baptised supporters can also attend, but they do not act as godparents in the legal sense.

• Water is poured or sprinkled on the child’s head • Parents and godparents make promises on behalf of the child • The vicar blesses the child in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit

Yes. At St Andrew’s Church, a short preparation session with Father Dan Henderson helps families: • Understand the meaning of baptism • Learn the promises parents and godparents make • Prepare for the service itself Preparation usually takes place over one or two informal meetings.

Yes, dates are arranged with Father Dan Henderson. Baptisms may take place: • During a regular Sunday service • In a dedicated baptism service • On a special occasion agreed with the church

Yes. Families may choose to have the baptism during a Sunday service with the congregation, or as a standalone baptism service.

No statutory fee applies for baptisms. Baptism is offered freely as a sacrament of the church. Voluntary donations are welcome to support the life and ministry of the church.

Yes. Baptisms are usually attended by close family and friends. Larger gatherings are welcome, but it is best to discuss numbers with the vicar for logistical planning.

Families from outside the parish are welcome. The vicar may ask for a letter of permission from the child’s local parish priest if the family lives elsewhere, according to Church of England guidance.

Yes. It is common to have two or three godparents. At least one should be a baptised and confirmed Christian, but all can attend the service and take part in supporting the child.

No. Parents or godparents do not need to be confirmed to have a child baptised. Confirmation is a separate step of personal faith, usually for older children or adults.

Typically, the service lasts 20–30 minutes, depending on whether it is part of a larger Sunday service or a dedicated baptism service.

Yes. The vicar can include a thanksgiving or dedication for children of any age, even if they are too young to make promises themselves.

There is no formal dress code. Many families choose smart or celebratory clothing, and some use traditional baptism gowns, though this is optional.

Photography or video is usually allowed, but it should be unobtrusive. Families should confirm with the vicar before the service.

Contact us to: • Discuss your child’s baptism • Arrange preparation • Choose a suitable date for the service

For general Church of England guidance on infant baptism, see the national Church of England Baptism Guide.(https://www.churchofengland.org/life-events/baptism)