As part of the Church of England we offer baptism for both children and adults as a joyful and meaningful sign of being welcomed into the family of the Church and beginning (or affirming) a life of following Jesus.
We also recognise that families come to church from many different places, and we are committed to walking alongside you with care, prayer, and encouragement as you explore what is right for you and your child.
Infant Baptism
Infant baptism is a joyful celebration of God’s love and grace, welcoming a child into God’s Church. During the service, parents and godparents make important promises on behalf of the child — committing to nurture them in faith, to pray for them, and to help them grow in the knowledge and love of God.
The wider church family also makes a promise, recognising that faith is something we grow into together, supported by community, worship, and God’s faithful presence.
Infant Dedication
Infant dedication offers parents the opportunity to give thanks to God for the gift of a child and to dedicate their son or daughter to God’s loving care. Parents make promises to do all they can to help their child grow in love, faith, and understanding, while recognising that the child will one day make their own response of faith.
Dedication does not include the same baptismal promises, but it is a beautiful and prayerful moment of thanksgiving and trust in God.
Adult Baptism and Confirmation
We love to baptise adults who have chosen to follow Jesus and who were not baptised as children. Adult baptism is a powerful outward sign of an inner journey of faith — a public declaration of commitment to Jesus Christ and life within the Church.
For those baptised as infants, we also offer opportunities to reaffirm the promises once made on their behalf, often through confirmation. This marks a personal and prayerful step of owning one’s faith within the life of the Church.
Confirmation
Confirmation is a significant moment for older children, teenagers, and adults who were baptised earlier in life and are now ready to affirm that faith for themselves. It marks a point on the Christian journey where a person chooses to say “yes” to the faith into which they were baptised, and to their desire to follow Jesus more intentionally as a disciple.
During the service, the confirming bishop prays for each candidate and lays hands on them, asking God to strengthen and equip them with the power of the Holy Spirit. This prayer recognises that Christian life is not something we live alone, but one shaped and sustained by God’s grace.
Confirmation is not a requirement, but many find it a meaningful and helpful milestone, especially for older children and teenagers, as they grow in faith and understanding. It is also a way of expressing a commitment to the wider Church community of which we are part.
Anyone may be confirmed, provided they have already been baptised but some preparation will be encouraged.
For help please contact dunchurchstpeters@gmail.com