For more information about Christening (also called baptism) please see the Church of England Website.
Here's a short video from the Archbishop of Canterbury, on the christening of Prince George. (Christening is also called baptism - both words mean the same thing).
In case you are wondering about christening for yourself or your children at Seal, as Archbishop Justin says, the answer is YES!
Christenings are entirely free of charge, and I am very happy to arrange them for a time and date that works for you if it is at all possible. Whether you have a christening in the main Sunday service or at a separate service there may be other children being baptised at the same service.
If you don't live in the parish of Seal then we may need to talk to the parish priest where you do live to get their goodwill, but there are rarely any problems about this.
Older children and adults can also be baptised, and we can even combine a christening with a wedding if that is appropriate for you!
To get the ball rolling, just get in touch with me and I will be happy to help.
Below you will find pictures of a recent christening at Seal - many thanks to Seth's parents for permission to share these photos of the happy day!
Seth's parents and godparents
After the priest has made the sign of the cross on the baby's forehead the parents and godparents are invited to do the same. We use specially blessed oil for this - anointing with oil was done at the time of Jesus as a symbol of welcome and a preparation for washing.
The moment of baptism
After the baptism
The congregation are always delighted to greet their newest "brother" or "sister" in the Christian family.
At the end of the service we give the family a candle to take away, a symbol of the light of God which burns in their child.
Photos by Fox Joyce Photography
Photos by Fox Joyce Photography
