BAPTISM

What is Baptism?
Baptism (often called Christening) is about becoming part of the Christian Church.  It is the way people have done that for as long as the Church has existed.  It is not just for babies or young children, but it is still mostly children who are baptised.  A baptism service gives you an opportunity to say thank you to God for the birth of your child and gives us a chance to pray for you and your child, but the service is above all about your child becoming a member of God’s family, the Church.

Who can be Baptised?
We are delighted to baptise anybody of any age.  If you are an adult seeking baptism please contact one of the clergy or the Parish Office (023 9258 0551).  If you live outside the Parish of Alverstoke we will need to receive the consent of your Parish Priest.  Click here to see the list of streets that are in the parish.

When do Baptisms take place?

We are delighted that you are interested in arranging Baptism for a member of your family. 

Baptisms can only be booked at a Baptism Preparation evening although you can ask Sue in the Parish Centre to pencil in a date.  Preparation evenings are held on the second Monday of each month, starting at 7.30pm, in the Lady Chapel of St Mary’s Church, and last about 90 minutes.  Just turn up - entrance will be via the main West door.

Baptisms in St Mary’s are held at 3 p.m. on the first and third Sundays of each month and, if you wish, they can be arranged as part of the Family Service on a second Sunday.  As an alternative, you might like to consider a Thanksgiving Service: this can be discussed at the Preparation evening.

We anticipate that you and your family will worship at St Mary’s before the Baptism and suggest that, if you are not a regular churchgoer, you might find the Family Service at 10 a.m. on the second Sunday in the month, more approachable than the Communion Services at 10 a.m. on other Sundays. 

However, you will be most welcome at any Service and other Sunday Services are at 8 a.m. (Communion) and 6.30 p.m. (varied!).  Please ask Sue for more details: she can be contacted on 023 92580551.

 
If you would rather have your baby baptised in St Faith’s Church on Tribe Road, baptisms here usually take place on the second Sunday of each month at 11.30 am.