Baptisms (Christenings)
Many people each year approach their local church to enquire about their child being Baptised. Here at St Oswald’s, we are always delighted to talk to you about that.
Baptism (or Christening as it is also called) is both a joyful occasion and a serious business! We want to do our best to help you to understand the meaning and responsibilities of having your child baptised, as well as to make the baptism of your child(ren) a truly special and memorable occasion.
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The Church of England’s ministry is rooted in the local communities that each Church serves. These areas are called parishes. All those who live in this Parish of Collingham with Harewood are welcome to be Baptised here - this is your Parish Church!
Also, if you regularly worship in this Parish Church then we recognise that you have chosen to be a part of this particular worshipping parish community.
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Ordinarily, we would encourage others to locate and approach their own Parish Church, so that you, with your child can build up a relationship with the church and the Christian community where you live – and if you haven’t already done so, this can be a good time to do that. Of course, there are occasionally other factors which may lead you to us, and we would discuss those with you on an individual basis.
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As well as celebrating the life of your child, baptism points to the love of God (for your child and for you!) and indicates that you desire to bring your child up in the Christian faith. As a Church community we also commit to helping you on that journey and to that end we offer services, activities and events aimed at children and young families.
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Baptism is a beginning – and if you choose to make that beginning we look forward to walking with you, and your ‘little one’ in the days and years ahead.
The Baptism of your child can take place within one of our main Sunday Services (usually 10am) or as a separate Baptism Service at a slightly later time in the morning (usually 12 noon). Either way we always speak about Baptism being a public event, as it is when a child (or an adult) is publicly and visibly welcomed into the family of the Church.
You might also like to look at the information WHAT HAPPENS AT A BAPTISM? which explains a little more what takes place within a Baptism Service.
If you decide you would like your child to be baptised, or would simply like to discuss it further, then please do either come along to one of our Sunday Services (for details click on the button below) or get in touch directly with Rev’d Carolyn, our Priest in Charge (carolyn.james117@btinternet.com - 01937 573975) who will be pleased to hear from you.
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We look forward to seeing you and to getting to know you and your family better.
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If anyone is reading this page as adult who is wishing to know more about Baptism for yourself – please know that it is never too late! So again, do please get in touch and have a chat with us.