Congratulations on the birth of your child!

We believe that every child is a gift from God. With the arrival of a new baby it may be that you are interested in your child's spiritual, as well as physical and emotional development. Some parents choose to mark the beginning of their child's spiritual journey with a Christening. If you live in our parish, it would be good to meet up to talk about your plans. 

The First Step - Toddler Praise

The group meets on Friday afternoons during term time from 1:00 - 2:15 pm. This is a great way to meet other parents in the church and to get support for both you and your child. Alternatively of course, you can come along to our All Age Sunday service at 11:00 am each week. Either way, we look forward to meeting up and speaking to you about your Christening plans.

The Christian journey begins with a single step. Because it is part of a long Church tradition, we know that many others have done it before us and travel alongside us now. Although we are different ages and stages along the way, we are all part of a life-long learning community on a journey towards God. 

Consider a Christening

The Church of England has two services which reflect what most people are looking for in a Christening. Both services start and end the same way and include prayers for your child. 

Church of England Services - Comparison

Service of 

Thanksgiving & Blessing

Service of

Baptism 

Purpose

To celebrate, give thanks, and pray for God's blessing on my child.

To declare my own desire to turn to Christ and follow him by helping my child to find his/her place within the life and worship of the church.

Background

Jesus blessed children: 'Jesus took the children in his arms, placed his hands on each of them and blessed them.' Mark 10.16

Jesus calls his followers to make disciples: 'Go and make disciples: baptizing them... and teach them to obey everything that I have commanded you.' Matthew 29.19f

Symbols

Oil is used as a symbol of the Holy Spirit, anointing for blessing.

Water is used to symbolize both washing from sin and spiritual birth.

Promises you will make

Parents and Godparents promise to do all they can to help and support your child.

Parents and Godparents promise to pray for your child, speak to them about God's love, and help them to get involved in the life and worship of their church. And in due course, prepare him/her for Confirmation.

Promises we will make

We promise to be here for you, when you or your child wish to learn more about the Christian faith, plan for a wedding, or are in need of pastoral care.

We promise to support you and your child's spiritual development by providing children's programes to help your child find their place in the life and worship of the church.

Choosing Godparents

Godparents are chosen to act as mentors for your child as they grow up.

Godparents are chosen who are themselves believing, baptized, and preferably Confirmed Christians so that they might act as mentors and examples for your child.

Booking a date

Bookings are usually made for a separate service, to follow the main Sunday morning service, at 11:45 am on the 2nd, 4th or 5th Sunday of the month.

Bookings are usually made for the 2nd, 4th or 5th Sunday of the month at 10:30 am, as part of the main morning services

What next?  

Many in our town of Chatteris have brought their children for a Christening. They have made promises and are looking for new ways to fulfil these promises by helping their children "take their place within the life and worship of the Church". Our All Age service and Toddler Praise are great ways to do this. We hope that our Church family will grow into a welcoming community which nurtures the Christian faith in children, mums, dads and grandparents; Godparents, aunts and uncles, everyone, in fun and creative ways. So, why not join in? This is your invitation. We look forward to warmly welcoming you. 

All Age services are every Sunday. We meet for refreshments in the Bricstan Hall at 10:30am before heading through for 11:00 to start our service.

Our All Age service includes worship songs with something for everyone, crafts, fun group discussion about the Bible passage for the day and prayer. Our leadership team is made up of volunteers, mums and dads, who want everyone to enjoy being together. Check out our Facebook Page on Chatteris Parish Church to keep up to date. 

Baptism Becky Williams.jpg

What about baptism for Adults?

Have you been baptized? Why not get in touch to find out more.

What is Confirmation?

Sometime a fresh start requires a turning point. One turning point might be the decision to confirm your faith. Jesus says 'follow me'. Confirmation marks the turning point in the spiritual journey when you turn to Christ by choosing to become a disciple of Jesus. This affirmation is confirmed in a public way through prayer and the laying on of hands by the Bishop. (If you have not already been baptized, this may happen at the same time.) We pray for you to receive the Holy Spirit so you are enabled to live in the way of Jesus and feed your faith with Communion. It doesn't matter how old you are. You might be 10 or 110; Confirmation is for everyone.