Baptisms

Whether your baby is already born or still awaited, we at All Saints' congratulate you. We wish you and your family every joy and blessing-especially for the small new member!

You must be very proud, and we are sure that you love your new baby very much-and as good parents you want to do the very best for your baby. Christening (also called Baptism) is part of this - and we too shall be very proud and happy to give your child a loving welcome as a new Christian. Most important of all, God loves your baby.

This page is to help you begin thinking about the christening, and to tell you a bit about the arrangements for christenings at All Saints' and at the Chapel of Saint Mary and Saint John.

If you get in touch with us, we will tell you much more, to help you to think through what you are doing, and prepare for this very important day, in your baby's life, and in your own.

Firstly, a word about our buildings. All Saints' Church belongs to a parish in the Church of England. We also have a beautiful modern chapel (the Chapel of Saint Mary and Saint John) attached to King Edward's Hall, in North Ascot. We celebrate christenings in both places. Do go in, and have a look around, information is available in both buildings. If you live in another parish, or if you belong to a different Church, you should generally have the christening in your own parish. If you have difficulty in finding a priest or minister of your own Church, we shall be glad to put you in touch.

Get in touch with one of the clergy or the parish office, if you haven't already done so. The sooner you get in touch, the better. It is important to consult us about the date and time of the christening before you fix it with your family and friends.

Date and Times

Whenever possible christenings ought to be celebrated when the congregation is there to welcome the new member, because this is a very important part of what christening is about. With this in mind, at present, we celebrate christenings immediately after Sunday Mass at 12:15 or during certain Sundays Masses at 10:30 at All Saints’ Church, or by arrangement at 9.00 a.m. during Mass at the Chapel of Saint Mary and Saint John, King Edward's Hall in North Ascot. Christenings do not generally take place during Advent or Lent.  We can discuss dates and times when you contact us.

Godparents

It is the godparents' responsibility to support you in bringing your child to be made a member of the Church, and in making the promises. They should also share with you the responsibility of bringing up your child as a Christian - that is, as someone who knows and loves Jesus. This is a very demanding task, and you shouldn't choose people as godparents just because you are afraid of offending them if you don't, or as a compliment to them. You should choose godparents who will be able and willing to take a lot of trouble over helping your child to grow into a friend of Jesus.

Godparents must themselves have been christened, and normally they should be regular churchgoers. They don't have to belong to the Church of England: if they do, they should usually have been confirmed. It is usual to have at least two godparents of the same sex as the child, and one of the opposite sex. You can have as many more as you wish.

From the moment we know that you want your child christened, we shall print his or her name on our weekly prayer-list. This will mean that your child will be prayed for by name from time to time at services in the Parish. Many people take a copy of the list away with them, and will be praying for your child in their own personal prayers as well. We will probably give you a copy of the sheet: even if we don't, you are welcome to take one from the church, or from the Chapel in King Edward's Hall at any time.

Early in the preparation one of the clergy and a member of the baptism team will be arrange to visit you at home, to make friends with you and your family, and to discuss any queries you may have about the service.