Parents’ guide to christenings

During the christening your child will be baptized. It's the first step of an amazing journey with God, parents, godparents, friends, family and the church. You don't have to have been christened yourself, and you don't have to have been a regular churchgoer. Start exploring the possibilities here.

Close up of a large gold jug being used by a vicar to pour baptism water into a font

What is a christening?

Explore more about what a christening means
Vicar in church with a warm smile

Contacting the church

One of the first things you'll need to do is contact your local church
A vicar gives a candle to a godparent

Choosing godparents

Discover more about what it means to be or have godparents
Baptism

Preparing for the big day

Read for some helpful ideas and tips
Lit candle in front of stained glass window

Thanksgiving services

There is a simple, but special service different from a christening
lots of feet in wellies walking

Continuing the journey

Discover ways to continue the amazing journey of faith as a family
Scallop shell on the side of a baptism font.

Christenings and coronavirus

How christenings will still be special even though a little different

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Source URL: https://www.churchofengland.org/life-events/christenings/parents-guide-christenings