We welcome all, children and adults, no matter their family circumstances, to receive the sacrament of baptism to mark the beginning of their journey of faith in the Christian tradition.
Q: Am I allowed to have a baptism in your church?
A: If you are local to our churches or have a special connection to them, you are absolutely welcome to have a baptism here. Baptism is open to all, no matter your age, race, nationality, sexuality, gender expression, or family structure.
Q: What sort of preparation is required?
A: The priest will reach out to schedule a meeting and discuss the role of baptism in a life of faith. There might be a second meeting if time allows. If multiple baptisms are scheduled together, we will hold baptism days for families to gather and discuss what baptism means for them, and connect with each other.
Q: When can I have my baptism?
A: The Ray Valley Benefice comprises of 8 churches and only a few priests, so most of our churches don’t have a service every Sunday. We will work with you to find a time that works for your family and our clergy availability. Please contact us as early as possible as we plan our service schedule around 3 months in advance.
We don’t have baptisms during Lent (between Ash Wednesday and Easter) unless under special circumstances. While you’re not limited to these dates, some particular significant days in the church calendar to have baptisms are: Epiphany (Sunday on or right after 6 January), Easter Vigil (night before Easter), Pentecost (50 days after Easter), or All Saints (Sunday on or right after 1 November).
Q: Is there a difference between a ‘baptism’ and a ‘christening’?
A: No, they basically mean the same thing. It’s essentially the difference between a wedding and a marriage: a wedding/christening is a single day and event. A marriage/baptism is a lifetime commitment.
Q: How much does a baptism cost?
A: The only fee for a baptism is £20 to cover the cost of the baptism certificate. Beyond that, any donation is appreciated. All of our churches depend on the generosity of worshippers and community members to continue our ministry and you are always welcome to be a part of that generosity.
Q: I have more questions about my unique circumstances. Who can I contact?
A: Please contact the rector of our benefice, the Rev. Cortney Dale: rector@rayvalleybenefice.org
Read this to learn more about what the Church of England teaches about baptism: https://www.churchofengland.org/life-events/christenings/parents-guide-christenings