Baptisms (Christenings)

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We warmly welcome anyone interested in booking a baptism (also known as "christening") at All Saints church. We also welcome those who choose not to have a baptism ("christening") but who are interested in having a "Thanksgiving for the Gift of a Child" service.

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Once you have read the below please fill out the form below

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Please note

There will be disruptions inside the church from 

September 16th 2023 to March 31st 2024 due to refurbishment works

We are therefore not taking bookings for baptism services for before 1st April 2024 at the moment. We can book your service for after this date now though.

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PLEASE NOTE - We no longer do shared baptisms with another family present that you do not know. You now have the church to yourself. 

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Where possible we will try and book your service before or after an existing booking as this is less work for our volunteers who set up the church, but if you are unable to have your service on that date or time we will book a date or time that suits you.  When you contact us we will let you know when the existing bookings are, but if you prefer a different date that is fine - just let us know.  

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DO YOU LIVE OUTSIDE THE PARISH OF WHITSTABLE?

If you live or have lived in the past in the parish of Whitstable, it is fine for you or your child to be baptised (christened) here.

If you live elsewhere  but have a past connection with Whitstable this is also fine. Contact us and we will speak to your local vicar about the fact that you have chosen Whitstable for your baptism service.

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GODPARENTS

Before you come to book your baptism, have a think about who you would like to be godparents for your child. The average number of godparents is three per child, though there is no set maximum. Each godparent should be 18 years old or more. If the child is old enough to speak for themselves on matters of faith  (usually from about 6 years up)  or if it is an adult being baptised they have "sponsors" not godparents, though you can still call them godparents if you wish. Someone over the age of about 6 years is in the Vicar's opinion considered old enough to answer the baptism promises for themselves, so they do not need to have a godparent answering the questions for them.  Pastorally though, as we say, sponsors can still play an important role, so it is ok to refer to them as godparents. We will explain more when you contact us. 

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THANKSGIVING FOR THE GIFT OF A CHILD OR BAPTISM?

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If you feel a bit uneasy making the promises of Baptism and would rather have a  Thanksgiving for your child rather than a Baptism that is fine. The Vicar is much more keen that you do what feels right for you than feel under pressure in any way to do what is traditionally the norm.

So why not think about the "Thanksgiving for the Gift of a Child"service?

The vicar will discuss this with you and explain the difference. There are no godparents with a Service of Thanksgiving. Instead there are sponsors.

 

 

COSTS?

Baptisms / christenings are free of charge though a plate is put at the back of church for donations as you leave at the end.  This is in cash form only.

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Please read on to find out about both and then please email Simon at simon@teamvicar.org or text him on 07833 448287 to start the booking process.

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OR FILL OUT THIS FORM HERE

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