Baptism or Christening (they are the same thing) is about being welcomed into God's family and the church. This can take place at any age for babies, children, teenagers, young adults and adults.

What You Need To Know

• There is no charge for a Christening at St. Peter's Yaxley. We do welcome donations.
• We are a Church of England Church.
• Christening services usually take place on a Sunday afternoon at 2.30pm or 3.30pm and last around 25 mins with time for photos.
• We usually hold Christening services on two Sundays a month and will try and fit in with dates you would like where possible, but we cannot promise this. Your service will be for your child, family and friends.
• At present there is no maximum number of people that can attend. The church can comfortably seat 160 people.
• When the date has been agreed you will be sent a form to complete, which should be returned to the vicar.
• The vicar will make an appointment to meet with you and your family where appropriate before the service.

When we are christening a baby or a young child this is always done with the knowledge they cannot speak for themselves on this occasion and so parents and Godparents make the promises for the child. When they are older, they can choose to be admitted to Holy Communion and/or be confirmed.

Parents and Godparents will be making the following promises:

God knows each of by name and we are his. Parents and Godparents, you speak for this child today. Will you pray for them, and help them to follow Christ?
Answer: We will

We all wander far from God and lose our way. Christ comes to find us and welcomes us home. In Christening we respond to his call. Therefore I ask:
Do you turn away from sin?
Answer: I do

Do you turn to Christ as Saviour?
Answer: I do

Do you trust in him as Lord?
Answer I do

It is helpful to think about who you will ask to be Godparents for your child. You should have:

• At least 3 Godparents - for a girl this should be a minimum of 2 females and 1 male. For a boy this should be a minimum of 2 males and 1 female.
• Godparents must themselves have been Baptised/Christened.

You can only be baptised/christened once in your lifetime, but if you have not been baptised/christened then please do come and talk to us, we would love to do this. We also offer re-affirmation of Baptismal Vows.

If you do not feel that Baptism/Christening is the right move for you at this point, then we also offer a service of thanksgiving for a baby or child.