Christening service step by step

The parents and the godparents will make some important promises for the child in the service. You can see the full order of service here.

Everyone promises to continue supporting the child from this moment.

The vicar says:

“…People of God will you welcome this child and uphold them in their new life in Christ?”

Everyone present says:

“…With the help of God, we will.”

Often, this is the point in the service when parents and godparents will be invited to come out to stand at the front with the child.

In many churches, a special oil may be used to make the sign of a cross on the child’s forehead. It’s a significant moment, which marks the child as belonging to God.

The vicar will say:

“…Christ claims you as his own. Receive the sign of the cross.”

Water which is blessed in the church’s font will be poured over the child’s head by the vicar. This is the child’s baptism. It’s a sign of a new beginning and becoming a part of God’s family.

The vicar says:

“…I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.”

The vicar, or someone else from the church, will pray for the child and for all those who will support them in their path of faith.

Everyone present welcomes the child into the family of the church with words given in the service.

A candle may be given to the child at the end of the christening or sometimes at a service soon afterwards.

The vicar says:

“…Shine as a light in the world to the glory of God.”

Continue the journey

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Read through the christening service in full.