ST GEORGE'S CHURCH WILTON
 

Baptism at St George’s Church, Wilton

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Belonging, faith, and the life of the Church

We are always glad when people ask about baptism at St George’s.

Baptism is a public celebration and declaration of God’s grace, and a deliberate step into the life of the Church. When families or adults request baptism, they are asking for more than a family celebration or naming ceremony. They are committing themselves (and, in the case of children, their child) to belong to the worshipping community of St George’s and to begin a shared journey of faith.

Because baptism involves real belonging and real commitment, we take care to prepare people well and to ensure that baptism is celebrated with integrity, joy, and meaning.

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The meaning of baptism

In baptism, a person is welcomed into the Christian Church and marked as belonging to Christ. The congregation promises to support them in faith, prayer, and discipleship.

For children, parents and godparents make these promises on their behalf. In doing so, they are not simply asking for a baptism service, but expressing a desire to share in the life of the Church and to raise their child within a community of faith.

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Beginning the conversation

Before any baptism is booked, parents or adult candidates meet with the vicar.

This conversation helps us to:

• Talk honestly about what baptism is — and what it is not

• Explore what belonging to the church looks like in practice

• Discuss the promises made in the service

• Get to know one another as people, not as paperwork

This meeting ensures that baptism is a shared commitment, not a misunderstanding.

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Who can be baptised?

Baptism is available to anyone who has not already been baptised — adults or children.

There is no difference between a “christening” and a baptism. Baptism welcomes someone into the life of the local church, and so it is normally offered at St George’s to those who:

• Live within the parish, or

• Have an established and meaningful connection with the church

For children, at least one parent or guardian must be willing to take an active role in the church’s life and to help their child grow in the Christian faith, supported by godparents and the congregation.

Adults do not walk the Christian life alone either, and it is good to have supportive friends within the church who will encourage and accompany you on your journey of faith.

If you are unsure how this applies to you, we encourage you to talk with us.

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Becoming part of the church community

Those seeking baptism are asked to attend Sunday worship at St George’s for a short period (usually around one month) before the baptism.

If you want to join in the faith, it is important to know what you are joining. This time allows space for:

• Learning the rhythm of worship

• Becoming known within the congregation

• Allowing the church to recognise and welcome you as part of its life

Baptism does not simply “happen” to a person. It marks taking your place within a community that already knows you and is ready to support you.

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Preparation for baptism

Preparation helps everyone understand what they are saying “yes” to.

Parents (and godparents where possible), or adults seeking baptism, take part in baptism preparation with the vicar. This focuses on:

• The meaning and shape of the baptism service

• The promises that are made

• What ongoing faith and belonging look like after the day itself

Baptism is celebrated best when it is entered into knowingly and freely.

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Godparents and shared responsibility

Godparents are not honorary roles, but people who actively support a child’s faith.

Godparents should:

• Be baptised Christians

• Be willing to pray for the child and encourage their Christian life

We are happy to help families think carefully about this choice.

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When baptisms take place

Baptisms normally take place during the main Sunday service at 11.00am, where the whole congregation can welcome and commit to supporting the newly baptised person.

This reflects the truth that baptism brings someone into the shared life of the Church, not a private moment alongside it.

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Booking and next steps

A baptism date is normally confirmed once:

• An initial conversation has taken place

• Preparation has begun

Arrangements for the day are agreed together with the vicar.

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After baptism: a shared journey

Baptism is the beginning of a lifelong journey of faith.

Those who request baptism are expected to:

• Continue participating in worship

• Remain part of the church community

• Allow the church to support them in faith, prayer, and discipleship

St George’s is committed to walking with people over time — not simply hosting an event.

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Contact

If you would like to begin a conversation about baptism, please click here to complete the Baptism Form .

 

Baptism FAQs

“Is baptism the same as a christening?”

Yes. “Christening” is a common word people use for baptism,

especially for children. The service itself is baptism, and it marks

a person being welcomed into the Christian Church.

“Do we have to be regular churchgoers already?”

No — but baptism is about beginning a real relationship with the

Church, not simply attending a one-off service.

We ask families and adults seeking baptism to spend some time

getting to know St George’s through worship and conversation

before the baptism takes place.

“What if we’re not sure what we believe yet?”

That’s very common.

Baptism involves clear promises, so part of our preparation is helping

people understand what those promises mean. If you’re exploring faith

or have questions, the first step is always a conversation, not a decision.

“What if we’re not ready for baptism?”

That’s absolutely fine.

Some families want to give thanks for the birth of a child, to celebrate

them before God, and to ask for prayer — but are not yet ready to

make the promises that baptism involves.

For those families, the Church offers services of thanksgiving

or dedication.

“What is a thanksgiving or dedication service?”

A thanksgiving or dedication service:

• Gives thanks to God for the gift of a child

• Celebrates family and community

• Includes prayer for the child and those who care for them

Unlike baptism, it does not involve baptismal promises or assume a commitment to raising a child within the Christian faith.

“How is this different from baptism?”

Baptism:

• Is received only once

• Includes clear promises about faith and belonging

• Marks entry into the life of the Church

Thanksgiving or dedication:

• Makes no baptismal promises

• Does not replace baptism

• Leaves the door open for baptism at a later stage

Many families choose thanksgiving or dedication precisely because they want to be honest about where they are.

“Can we have a thanksgiving now and baptism later?”

Yes.

A thanksgiving or dedication service does not prevent baptism later on. For some families, it is a first step — a way of beginning a relationship with the church without being rushed into commitments they are not ready to make.

“Which is right for us?”

That’s something we are very happy to talk through with you.

Part of our role as a church is to help people take meaningful steps in faith — not to pressure them into saying things they don’t yet believe.

The best place to start is always a conversation.

“Do we have to live in the parish?”

Normally, yes — or have a meaningful and ongoing connection with St George’s.

Baptism takes place within the life of a local church, so we want to be confident that there is a real relationship and support in place.

If you’re unsure, please get in touch and we can talk it through.

“Can adults be baptised?”

Absolutely.

Adult baptism is a normal and historic way of entering the Christian faith. Adults seeking baptism meet with the vicar and take part in preparation, just as families do for children.

“What if I’m not sure whether I’ve been baptised before?”

This happens more often than you might think.

Baptism is received only once, so if there is uncertainty we’ll help you work out the right next step. Sometimes that may be confirmation instead.

“Do godparents have to be Christians?”

Yes. Godparents are asked to be baptised Christians who are willing to pray for the child and support their faith as they grow.

If you’re unsure who to ask, we’re happy to help you think this through.

“Does baptism cost anything?”

No. There is no fee for baptism.

Some families choose to make a donation to the church, but this is entirely optional.

“Can we choose our own date or style of service?”

Baptisms normally take place during our main Sunday service at 11.00am, where the congregation can welcome and support those being baptised.

Specific arrangements are discussed with the vicar as part of the preparation process.

“What happens after the baptism?”

Baptism is the beginning of a journey, not the end.

Those who are baptised (and their families) are encouraged to continue sharing in worship and church life, with the support of the congregation.

“How do we start the process?”

The first step is simply to get in touch and arrange a conversation with the vicar.

From there, we’ll talk through preparation, timing, and what baptism at St George’s involves.

If you know that you would like to have your child baptised, then

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You can find lots of information, including help for organising weddings, baptisms and other special events on the Church of England website

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