Baptisms and Weddings
If you would like to discuss arranging
a baptism
a wedding
the reading of Banns of Marriage
in St Alban's, please complete and send the email form in "Contact us".
a baptism
a wedding
the reading of Banns of Marriage
in St Alban's, please complete and send the email form in "Contact us".
BAPTISM is the sacrament through which we become God’s adopted children and by His grace Christian disciples and thus followers of Jesus. We recognise, therefore, that we are to do all in our power to ensure that all who come to us for baptism are thoroughly prepared and understand its implications, whether they are the parents of children who are to be baptised or adults who wish to be baptised and confirmed themselves.
If you live in the parish, then it is usually possible to arrange for a baptism. Where you live outside the parish, you may be asked to get written permission from your local Vicar.
Baptisms are usually conducted, by arrangement, during our main Sunday morning Mass (10.00am)
We would like you to come to church at least three times before the baptism to become familiar with our Sunday service and it also means that we can support you. You may also be visited at home. You will be asked to attend a rehearsal before the day of the baptism.
As part of our preparation for the baptism we pray regularly for those who are to be baptised.
Those chosen as Godparents must themselves be baptised. Parents themselves do not need to be baptised, unless they are going to act as Godparents to their child.
Adults are usually confirmed following baptism. If you are interested in being baptised and confirmed as an adult, please contact the Vicar.
What does Baptism mean?
Baptism is the sacrament by which we become members of the Christian church.
When children are baptised, parents and Godparents make promises on their behalf to bring them up in the Christian way of life.
To be baptised is to become a member of the Christian family.
In addition to the promises that are made, there are three important symbols in the Baptism Service:
the sign of the cross, with anointing, made on the candidate’s forehead;
the washing with water at the font;
the giving of a lighted candle.
Practicalities
It is usual to have three Godparents, two of the same sex as the child and one of the opposite sex.
Please arrive at church in good time for the service. We will reserve seats for your family and friends.
You will be presented with a Certificate of Baptism.
Fees
There is no fee for baptism, but we welcome donations for the upkeep of our church.
We receive no help from the central funds of the Church of England or the state.
The money must be raised by those attending or supporting St Alban's.
We are therefore extremely grateful for any contributions received to maintain and develop the work of St Alban's, to ensure as far as we can that the church is here for the baptism of the children of future generations.
If you live in the parish, then it is usually possible to arrange for a baptism. Where you live outside the parish, you may be asked to get written permission from your local Vicar.
Baptisms are usually conducted, by arrangement, during our main Sunday morning Mass (10.00am)
We would like you to come to church at least three times before the baptism to become familiar with our Sunday service and it also means that we can support you. You may also be visited at home. You will be asked to attend a rehearsal before the day of the baptism.
As part of our preparation for the baptism we pray regularly for those who are to be baptised.
Those chosen as Godparents must themselves be baptised. Parents themselves do not need to be baptised, unless they are going to act as Godparents to their child.
Adults are usually confirmed following baptism. If you are interested in being baptised and confirmed as an adult, please contact the Vicar.
What does Baptism mean?
Baptism is the sacrament by which we become members of the Christian church.
When children are baptised, parents and Godparents make promises on their behalf to bring them up in the Christian way of life.
To be baptised is to become a member of the Christian family.
In addition to the promises that are made, there are three important symbols in the Baptism Service:
the sign of the cross, with anointing, made on the candidate’s forehead;
the washing with water at the font;
the giving of a lighted candle.
Practicalities
It is usual to have three Godparents, two of the same sex as the child and one of the opposite sex.
Please arrive at church in good time for the service. We will reserve seats for your family and friends.
You will be presented with a Certificate of Baptism.
Fees
There is no fee for baptism, but we welcome donations for the upkeep of our church.
We receive no help from the central funds of the Church of England or the state.
The money must be raised by those attending or supporting St Alban's.
We are therefore extremely grateful for any contributions received to maintain and develop the work of St Alban's, to ensure as far as we can that the church is here for the baptism of the children of future generations.
