Baptism / Christening

In Baptism we join the Church, become believers and start the Christian life. St James' welcomes parents who want their children baptised, with the proviso that they will do their best to bring them up in the Faith.

Children and infants are baptised at our main 10:00am Mass on the last Sunday of the month. Arrangements may be made with the clergy who will plan the occasion with parents and give them preparation for Baptism. Parents are encouraged to bring their babies and children to church and we all try to welcome and encourage them.

In order for us to be able to baptise your child you need to be a regular member of our congregation or be resident in the parish of St James & St Paul.

To check if you live in our parish, or to find your parish please enter your postcode here:

Godparents

Godparents are important people who have special tasks. They promise to help their godchild come to know God, encourage him or her in their membership of the local church and take an interest in their spiritual life. They make the same promises as parents on behalf of the child being baptised. They commit themselves to pray for the child and help the parents bring up the child in the Christian faith.

Children should normally have at least three godparents, two of whom should be the same sex as the child. They can be family members or friends (and parents can also be godparents). But to carry out this role, the Church of England requires that all godparents have been baptised and preferably confirmed as well.

Adult baptism candidates have sponsors rather than godparents. A sponsor will formally present the candidate for baptism and help them with their growth as a Christian. There should be at least two sponsors who, like godparents, need to be baptised and preferably confirmed.

Adults may be baptized at any stage, normally in conjunction with being confirmed and with appropriate preparation. No one is too old to be baptised and confirmed.

There is no charge for a baptism, but we are always happy to receive donations towards the upkeep of the building to preserve the Church for future generations.

If you are a UK taxpayer please fill in a gift aid envelope as it allows St James' to claim back an extra 28p in every pound.