the parish

Please do not arrange a time or date with friends or relatives before contacting us. The earlier you begin the process the more likely you are to find a suitable date.

Here is an outline of the process:

Contact the parish secretaryIf you do not yet worship in any of our churches please come along. You really will receive a warm welcome and won't be left standing on your own feeling like a lemon! If you are uncertain as to whether you want a Baptism or a Service of Thanksgiving tell the parish secretary and wait until after the Baptism Preparation evening at which you may discuss it further with one of the priests leading the session.Once a date has been confirmed notify your family and friends.A few weeks after the service a church visitor will call bringing either a Certificate of Baptism or Thanksgiving.

Questions people often ask

"What about godparents?"

Godparents go back to the days when most adult converts to the Christian faith had no Christian parents. Godparents spoke up for the baptised person and helped himlher to grow in the faith. Today, in the vast majority of infant baptisms, these tasks belong primarily to the parents. You should choose godparents who are more than just good friends or members of the family: they must believe in God as Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Their primary role remains that of supporting parents in bringing up the child in the Christian faith. The Church insists that they must be baptised and preferably confirmed, although the latter is not essential. You must have two godparents, one of either sex although you may have three, all of whom must be aged 16 or over and of sufficient maturity to appreciate their role.

"How much does baptism cost in the Church of England?"

Nothing. There is no charge. It is customary however, for an offering to be made; this will be explained at the preparation meeting. But if you genuinely cannot afford any offering do not be anxious.

"I'm a single parent. I want my baby baptised but am anxious about the kind of reception I'll get."

Don't worry: you will receive a warm welcome from the priest and all who are involved in the preparation, and from the Christian community. The Church will simply want to be assured, as with any other parent, of your own commitment to your child's Christian upbringing.

"My partner isn't a Christian and feels self-conscious and anxious about what we have to do in the ceremony..."

Even people who attend church regularly can feel nervous or shy, but there is no need to get worked up about it. Much will be explained during the preparation meeting at which you are encouraged to ask whatever questions come to mind. the priest taking the service will guide you through it step by step and explain to those attending what is happening and why. It is important that the day of your baby's baptism doesn't become an ordeal but a family occasion to be enjoyed. And don't worry if baby starts crying: that really is not a problem.

"Is there a short service that we could have after I leave hospital and before going home?"

Yes. It's called a 'Service of Thanksgiving'. Contact the parish office & a priest can either visit at home before your confinement or come to you in hospital to explain the service.

There may be many other questions in your mind not covered above.

Please feel free to contact the parish secretary if there are any further concerns.

ST ALPHEGE

Sundays

8.00am Holy Eucharist (said)

9.15am Parish Eucharist & Sunday Club (2nd Sunday : All-age Eucharist)

Plus on 4th Sunday 'easy' in OBH rejoining Parish Eucharist at communion

11.00am Sung Eucharist

(traditional language)

6.30pm (except 4th Sunday)

Choral Evensong

6.30pm (4th Sunday)

Congregational Evensong

Plus at 6.00pm (1st Sunday)

‘the space’ – informal parish worship

(in the Oliver Bird Hall)

Weekday Eucharists

Monday 9.30am

Tuesday 9.30am

Wednesday 10.15am

Thursday 10.30am

  1st in month - Healing

  3rd in month - Mothers' Union

  Corporate Eucharist

Saturday 9.30am

Daily Morning Prayer

Mon-Sat 9.00am

(Wednesday 8.30am in term time)

ST HELEN

Sundays

8.00am Eucharist (Book of Common Prayer)

10.00am Parish Eucharist and Sunday Club 3rd Sunday : All-age worship (non-eucharistic)

6.30pm Evening Worship in Chapel

6.30pm (2nd Sunday) Wholeness and Healing service in Chapel.

Weekday Eucharist

Friday 10.00am

ST MICHAEL

Sundays

10.30am Holy Eucharist and Sunday Club (Sharmans Cross School)

10.30am (2nd Sunday) All-age worship (Sharmans Cross School).

4.30pm (2nd Sunday) Holy Communion (St Michael's Chapel).

Weekday Eucharist

Wednesday 10.00am at Oak Cottage