It is a great pleasure to welcome families into the Churches for Baptism (also called "Christening").  This is the service at which a person joins the Church of God (that is, not specifically the Church in this parish, or even the Church of England, but the whole world-wide Christian Church).

People can be baptised at any age, from a few moments after birth (usually only in emergencies) right up to old age.

Many people are baptised as babies, in which case their parents bring them to the Church for the service along with three or four godparents.  These people together profess the Christian faith and promise to help the child to learn and experience life as a member of the Church.  Then the baby is baptised.

Others are older when they are baptised, in which case godparents are not required and they make their promises for themselves.

Most baptisms in this parish take place in special baptism services (later on Sunday mornings) though from time to time we conduct a baptism during the main Sunday Morning Service.  

Baptism is always only a first step - full and active membership of the Church is conferred through Confirmation, a service conducted by the Bishop during which the candidates  - who are usually over 12 years of age - "confirm" for themselves the promises made at their baptism.

Before a person can arrange a baptism in this parish, they (if they are old enough) or their parents, are asked to attend a series of three preparation classes. and to attend at least one normal Sunday Church service.  These preparation meetings allow us to explain and discuss what baptism means and what Christians believe and are intended to help you decide whether baptism is appropriate in their own case, and - if so - how to fulfil the promises that will be made. 

The classes normally take place either on Thursday evening or Saturday morning at St. Paul's Church, Ashby and need to be booked through the Parish Office. See our Parish Diary for details.  The actual dates and times of baptism are then arranged with the Parish Office.

Church of England rules state that anyone who lives in the Parish may request baptism for themselves or their children (subject to receiving suitable preparation as mentioned above).  Those who do not live within the parish may be baptised in our Churches if they regularly attend worship here.  To find out whether you live in the parish please consult this interactive map or enter your postcode into the "A Church Near You" website.

For further information about any aspect of our baptism ministry please contact one of the clergy or the Parish office (see our Contact Us Page).