Frequently asked questions
What’s the difference between a
baptism and a christening?
Can we have a private service of
baptism?
What is the right age for baptism?
I’m not a regular churchgoer:
can I still have my children baptised?
How do I arrange a baptism in the Team parish of Oldham?
What’s
the difference between a baptism and a christening?
None whatsoever. They are simply different words for the same thing.
Can we
have a private service of baptism?
The baptism of a church member’s child normally takes place during the principal Sunday service, which starts at 9:30 am at St Barnabas’ Church and St John the Baptist, and at 11:00 at Holy Trinity. This is because a baptism is a public declaration that the baptised person has become a member of the church family. In such cases, it is important for the church family to support you and welcome the child.
The baptisms of people who are not members of the congregation usually occur after the main Sunday service, at 12:30 am. If you would like to arrange a baptism at a different time, please contact us.
What is
the right age for baptism?
Baptism can occur at any age. What matters is that those concerned believe it is right to ask for baptism.
Teenagers and adults may also be baptised – speak to us about this. The Bishop often celebrates this with confirmation. You can only be baptised once, but there are ways of renewing your commitment publicly as an adult – our priest will be able to advise.
I’m not
a regular churchgoer: can I still have my children
baptised?
Yes. The Church of England believes that God’s love is available to all, regardless of their background. Our parish priest can talk you through the options: you may prefer to have a Thanksgiving service first, and then consider a baptism when you have had time to talk through what is being asked of you.
We do not charge for a baptism. We therefore normally ask for donations at the end of the baptism service.
How do
I arrange a baptism?
Contact us and tell us you would
like a baptism. Whenever possible, we ask the parents and godparents to attend
an interview in the church, a week or so before the baptism service takes
place. The interview has three purposes: it allows us to explain the baptism service
and its symbolism; it enables you to see the interior of our church; and you
can ask us more questions if you want to. This interview usually lasts between
30 minutes and an hour.
During the interview we ask you to complete a simple form. If you prefer, download a copy here and bring it with you.
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posted 1 November 2009