Baptisms

We are delighted that you have chosen to have your child baptised! (Christened means the same thing). The parish of Charlbury with Shorthampton welcomes all who wish to be baptised into the Church of England. There is no fee, although a collection is taken at the end of the service.

WHAT BAPTISM IS

In baptism, you as parents are:

  • thanking God for His gift of life,
  • deciding to start your child on the journey of faith
  • asking for the Church’s support.

For your child, baptism:

  • marks the start of a journey of faith,
  • involves turning away from self-centredness,
  • turning towards Christ
  • becoming a member of the local and worldwide Christian family.

WHAT GODPARENTS DO

Godparents make the same promises on behalf of the child being baptized as parents. Godparents promise to pray and support the child and to help the parents to bring up the child in the Christian faith. It is an important and responsible role.

Godparents can be family members or friends. However, 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. You must have at least one male and one female godparent. They should be baptized themselves.

We hope that the baptism service is full of meaning for you and that you enjoy this special sign of God’s love for you and your child.

Here is our baptism booklet. If you have any queries or questions or would like to book a baptism as part of a service or as a separate service please contact the Parish Office or telephone the Parish Office on 01608 810230.

Baptism at Shorthampton