St Giles, Aintree
St Giles believes that baptism is a free gift from God, graciously given to all who would receive it.
Anyone, young or old, can get baptised. During a baptism (sometimes known as christening) water is used to make us ready for starting the amazing journey of faith. It is also a special day for all your friends and family!
St Giles is the parish church and its doors are open to all comers, no matter where they lie on the spectrum of Christian witness. Our Christian approach aims to be one of welcome, nurture and support.
Baptism (sometimes known as Christening) is offered to anyone who lives within the parish boundaries and, at the discretion of the Vicar, those with a qualifying connection with St Giles.
Place & Time
Baptisms in St Giles take place during the 10:30am Eucharist on the first Sunday of the month.
How to book
Please come to church at 10:30 am; or contact Rev Nathan to discuss booking a baptism.
Is there any preparation?
In our experience, children are more comfortable in the baptism when used to the church setting and it gives the parents and god-parents the chance to get to know the local church community that can help them fulfil their promises they make to the person who is baptised!
We suggest coming at least twice after booking, before the baptism date itself. In the month leading up to the baptism, one of the clergy will visit you to discuss the service, practical details and the Christian faith.
Do you baptise adults?
If you are an adult wanting to be baptised, this is great!
Get in touch so that we can work out with you how we can help as you take this step to become a follower of Christ.
You are never too old to take this step, and being baptised as an adult is a wonderful experience.
If you've been baptised, but want to re-commit yourself to following Jesus, why not think about Confirmation?
What is Confirmation?
Confirmation is where you re-affirm your baptism vows for yourself and commit to following Jesus Christ publicly. Your friends, family and the local Christian community make promises to pray and support you as you do this.
The local bishop lays their hands on your head and asks for the Holy Spirit to give you strength and commitment to live and flourish as a Christian. Usually, but not always, this is when people begin to take the bread and wine at the Eucharist.
This is a big step in someone's faith journey. Some preparation and prayer is required; but the clergy will work with you to see how that is best done.
Who can be a godparent?
Godparents are really important and you usually need to choose three. Choosing them is one of the biggest decisions you will make. Whether you are still thinking or have already asked some special friends, the Church of England has some helpful information on choosing and being a godparent.
Do parents have to be baptised/christened?
You can have your child baptised at a christening regardless of whether or not you, the parents, are baptised. It is only the godparents who are required to be baptised, (so the only time a parent would have to be baptised is if they were also acting as a godparent).
Do you charge for baptism?
The good news is that a christening service is free - although a donation is always very welcome!
As above, it would be ideal to see you at least twice before the Baptism after booking.
There may be costs if you choose to have a family party afterwards, so you may need to budget for hire of a venue and refreshments. Unfortunately, the St Giles' Centre is used by another church on Sunday, or we would suggest that one!
in the Anglican Diocese of Liverpool
Some of our recent baptism photos!
BAPTISM