St Edmund's Church, Allestree

We welcome enquiries about baptism from families and individuals living in our parish or attending St. Edmund's Church. You are never too old for baptism, so if you are an adult who has never been baptised you should contact the Vicar for a chat.

• When should we book?

Baptisms are held at 11.30am on the 4th Sunday in the month. As we can be booking up to 5 months ahead it is important to contact the Vicar to discuss a date as soon as possible.

• What happens next?

You will receive a letter explaining more fully what happens during the baptism service and an administrative form which must be completed.
Then we ask you to attend an evening where, with other parents or celebrants, we show a DVD explaining baptism and go through the service with you. (Godparents may also attend).

• What if we are not sure about baptism for our child?

If after consideration you decide that baptism is not right for your family at this time, we will be happy to tell you about the Service of Thanksgiving, which celebrates and gives thanks for the life of your child without the commitment of the baptismal promises.

• How can St Edmund's help us?

In the Church of England it is usual to baptise a child in the local parish where they live. If you are thinking of asking for baptism here but you don't live in the parish, before continuing with this request, we ask you to visit a service at your local parish church and see how you might feel about having your child baptised there. You might also like to talk to the Vicar of that church. We have found that sometimes people find their local church more of a possibility than they first thought.

Our particular concern also is that in baptism you promise to bring your child up within the life and worship of the church. We have found that this is often easier for a family within the local church and we like to do everything we can to encourage families to make a connection with a church that they would find easy to attend. You are of course always welcome to come to services at St Edmund's church.

If, however, after making a visit to your parish church, you still feel that this church is the one with which you wish to make a connection and in which you would like to have your child baptised, you are welcome to contact the Vicar.

Whatever you decide for your child or yourself, you will always be welcome in church.

We have an All Age Service which, although everyone is invited, is especially suited to people with children.

We also have a Sunday school, known as Seekers, for children from 3 years old.