Christenings & Baptism
Babies, children and adults in our community are welcomed into the worldwide Christian family during our monthly Parish Eucharist with Baptism. This service is adapted so that the “Christening” is the focus of the first part of the service with sharing around God’s table followed by Holy Communion.
For Children
In the Baptism Service parents thank God for the gift of life, make a decision to start their child on a journey of faith and godparents promise help and support. The church also promises to welcome the child and to pray for the family.
Your baby or child can be baptised at any age. There is no upper age limit but, after about the age of seven, they may be able to make the promises for themselves.
You do not have to be married to ask for a christening for your child. You do not have to have been a regular churchgoer - as parents, you do not even have to have been baptised yourselves.
Some parents may prefer to celebrate the gift of a child in a different way, without the commitment that baptism involves. During a Thanksgiving Service parents and families give thanks for the birth or adoption of a child and everyone prays for family life.
For adults
Adults who wish to be baptized are also welcome at St. Wilfrid's. Sometimes, seeing someone else baptised, deciding to have your own child baptised or being asked to be a godparent can make you think about your own journey of faith.
To find out more about baptism options, please contact the Parish Team.
Admission
When children and family are regular participants in church worship (attending on a roughly monthly or more frequent basis), children under 16 who are baptized may be welcomed to Holy Communion through preparation and 'Admission'.
For primary-age children and above, preparation takes place through Junior Church or another suitable group, at which the children learn about the meaning and practise of Holy Communion using an activity book called “Welcome to the Lord’s Table”.
For younger children, preparation is with parents and will be reinforced later at Junior Church as they begin to read and write.
The Service of Admission to Holy Communion takes place during a Sunday Parish Eucharist, in which the children actively participate before receiving their first communion. Each child will subsequently receive their own 'Admission Certificate'.
Confirmation
Young people (of 16-years or older) and adults who decide to take on the Baptismal vows made for them by their godparents are welcome to Confirmation.
Confirmation courses take place periodically in the parish or locally. This is a good way to explore your faith with others who are thinking about confirmation and is a safe place to ask any questions you have about God, Jesus and the journey of faith.
The course leads up to a Confirmation Service, at which a Bishop officiates. This may take place at St. Wilfrid’s or another nearby Church.