Start an Amazing Journey

What is a Christening?

During the Christening your child will be baptised.  Baptism is the way in which a person is welcomed into the Christian Church.  It is the start of a lifetime journey.

People were bringing little children to him in order that he might touch them; and the disciples spoke sternly to them. But when Jesus saw this, he was indignant and said to them, ‘Let the little children come to me; do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs. Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it.’  And he took them up in his arms, laid his hands on them, and blessed them.’ – Mark 10:13-16

We can offer Baptisms to those who live in the Parish (South of Oxcliffe Road to Heysham Golf Club). Applicants from outside the Parish will need to show that they have good reasons (eg. regular worshippers in the parish) and the application will need to be approved by a church committee and their own vicar.

We currently offer Baptisms at St Peter’s Church on Sundays around lunchtime.  However, there are many applications each year and sometimes there is a waiting list for Baptisms, so we suggest that you book a date with us early in your family preparations.

Baptism (Christening) involves the making of solemn promises in order to join the family of the Christian Church. Parents and/or Sponsors (Godparents) must promise ‘to turn to Christ’, ‘to repent of their sins’, ‘to renounce evil’ – also that they believe and trust in – ‘God the Father who made the world’, ‘Jesus Christ who redeemed mankind’ and ‘the Holy Spirit who sanctifies the people of God’. Sponsors (Godparents) MUST be baptised and preferably confirmed and active members of their own church. They will be responsible for leading their Godchild to understanding and Christian commitment. We can enter up to three Godparents in our Baptism Registers.

Please make sure that you and your godparents arrive twenty minutes before the Baptism. The service will need to start on time because the clergy often has services following. The car parking outside St Peter’s is limited and although it is strictly for church users it is often used by other drivers. There is a large car park at the top of Main Street.

St Peter’s is a small church and blocks of seating will be allocated to baptism parties which will accommodate 80 in comfortable space. The service will last about 40 mins, if it is a ‘standalone’ service.

There is no charge for a Baptism but we hope that those who attend will remember that if the church is to be there for our children it needs our support. We need to raise at least £90,000 a year to preserve our precious heritage. In order to allow video photography, we have to pay an annual copyright fee of several hundred pounds. We will ask those who wish to use a video camera in the church to make a small contribution of £5.

Contact Us

Contacting the Church

Contact Janet Wiggins on heyshampja@gmail.com with the email subject, Christening.

Janet will reply as soon as she is able with possible dates.

Christening Invitation Sessions

St Peter’s Hall, Main St Heysham left up the lane after the Royal Hotel 2nd Monday of the month, 7:00-8:00 pm

Janet will run through the paperwork and organise a date. The Rector will guide through the meaning of Christening and preparations for the big day.