Baptism FAQs 

What is the difference between a baptism and a christening?
There is no difference, these terms are interchangeable but for simplicity we here at Euxton Parish Church tend to refer to being baptised at a baptism service.

What is baptism?
During a baptism your child will be baptised with water. It is a special day however it is not just a ‘one off’ celebration, it is the start of your child’s journey in the Christian faith – something that will fundamentally shape their beliefs, values and character as they grow, as well as providing them with friends and support throughout their lives. During the service you and the godparents make promises, in front of your friends and loved ones, to raise your child in the Christian faith and help guide them in their journey. 

We recognise that you are choosing to have your child baptised in church for a reason (as opposed to having a non-religious naming ceremony) but if you don’t feel that you can make the promises with integrity then there is the option of a ‘Thanksgiving’ service. This service still takes place in church and celebrates the birth and gift of your child but is more about giving thanks to God, praying for them and for you as parents. Do please speak to us to find out more.
 
What is the process to get my child baptised?
Please complete the initial enquiry form (HERE).  We will then be in touch to invite you to attend our next baptism preparation sessions which are a mandatory part of the process. In these sessions we explain what baptism is about and tell you everything you need to know.

We also ask families to attend church at least 2 times before booking a baptism. Baptism is about welcoming your child into the church family and so we think it's important you get to meet them and see what church is like. One your first time to church, do introduce yourself to the person leading the service, we'd love to say hi.

Once you have been to the preparation sessions and attended church you will be provided with the form to book the baptism itself. The booking form gives you space to put your preferred dates and times - once we have received this we will be in touch to confirm the date and time.

Who needs to attend the baptism preparation sessions?
We invite parents/guardians to attend the preparation sessions. It would be great if both parents/guardians can be at the preparation session where circumstances and childcare allow but we understand if this is not possible. 

What days are baptism services held on?
Our baptism services are held on a Sunday unless there are exceptional circumstances. 

Can I pick a specific date?
Your booking form will ask you to provide 3 dates in order of preference. We will always try to accommodate your most preferable date but would only be able to confirm back to you after you submit your form. Dates are allocated on a ‘first come first served’ basis although it is possible to 2 baptisms within the same service. 

What time do baptism services take place?
Baptism services may be held:

• As part of a public Sunday morning service at either 9:15am (which is an all age family service) or 11am (which is a more traditional service) – with your church family present to share your joy and welcome your child into the community
• On a Sunday at 12.30pm 

It is quite common for 2 baptisms to be held within the same service. We cannot guarantee that yours will be the only child getting baptised on a particular date. 

Who is entitled to be baptised at Euxton Parish Church?
Anyone who lives within the Ecclesiastical (church) parish of Euxton (following preparation) or who is part of our church family.

How do I know if I live in the Parish?
You can use your postcode and the Parish Finder tool from A Church Near You.

What if I don’t live in the Parish of Euxton?
By having your child baptised, you are promising to bring them up in the Christian faith and we want to help you in that. If you live outside the Parish but are part of our church family here in Euxton and/or have links which make you prefer to have your child baptised here instead of at your local church, this is not a problem but we would ask that you specify what the reason is for wanting your child baptised here. We will also need to seek the permission of your local vicar to have your child baptised at Euxton.

How many Godparents can I have?
All children need at least 2 godparents. We would strongly encourage no more than 5. 

Do godparents have to be Christian?
Yes. A huge part of the role of a godparent is to guide your child in the Christian faith. They cannot do so if they do not share that same faith. 

Many families feel pressure to bestow the role of godparent onto someone to signify how special and important they are in their lives (e.g. a close aunt or uncle). They will be making promises, along with you as parents, to support and pray for them as you guide them in growing in the Christian faith. It is a matter of integrity, if they do not feel comfortable making these promises, then they can still have a special part in your child’s life, but maybe the role of godparent isn’t right for them.
 
Do godparents have to be baptised themselves?
Yes. Godparents must be baptised and we ask that at least one godparent is confirmed. This is because they are making promises about helping your child to grow in their faith.  If the Christian faith is not something they believe in, then how are they, with integrity, going to make the promises required of them? 

Is there a cost?
There is no charge for having your child baptised. Families are of course welcome to make a donation to the church (as we do incur costs heating/lighting the building etc) but please be assured there is no obligation to do so – we would not want money to be a barrier to us welcoming your child into our church family. 

What if I don’t come to church?
If you are asking this question it probably means you don’t currently attend our church regularly – and that’s okay! Everyone is welcome at Euxton, whatever stage of their ‘faith journey’ they are at. You may consider yourself as someone who has always been a committed Christian, or you may simply be ‘dipping your toe in the water’ – wherever you are at, we would love to meet you (if we haven’t already). 

We would really encourage you to come and join us for some services as you get ready for your child’s baptism. Some services are more geared to families and the details are on our website and includes details as to what to expect - you will be more than welcome. If you’ve any questions then just get in touch with us.
 
More information can be found at the Church of England christenings website