Baptism

Baptism, also called Christening, is the sacrament that marks the beginning of the Christian life. Both adults and children can be baptized. Baptism usually takes place in the main Sunday service so that the Church gathered together can welcome the new Christian. It is a very happy and joyful occasion for the Church as well as for the family and friends of the candidate.

At an infant’s baptism there are usually three godparents, two of the same sex as the child, and one of the opposite sex. In the service, the godparents join in making the promises with the parents. But their job doesn’t end there: godparents have the responsibility to help with the Christian upbringing of their godchild in the years ahead. When thinking about who would make the best godparents for your child, please bear in mind that godparents must be baptized (christened) themselves, and preferably should be confirmed.

If you are thinking about baptism for yourself or a child, please contact us for more details.

Marriage

Anyone living in the parish can be married at St Frideswide’s. In the case of divorcees with a previous spouse still living, diocesan guidelines must be followed before the marriage can take place, and the parish priest is happy to talk this over. For those who don’t live in the parish, but who have some other connection with St Frideswide’s or St Margaret’s it is possible to apply to Westminster for a special licence, but we cannot guarantee that this will be granted. At least one person being married must have been baptized (christened).

Contact us if you would like to get married in either church. It is very important to give as much notice as possible if you want to book your preferred date.