marriage Blessing and double baptism for non church goers?
Dear Resident Reverand
My husband and I got married in a registery office 4 years ago, it was a small affair and ever since we have felt bad that we did not do it 'properly'.
Since then we have had our eldest daughter baptised in Wales were we lived, but now we live in England and have had 2 more gorgeous children, the youngets being 9 weeks old.
I have attended a baptism in a beutiful church in my parish where a close friend I have met since moving here was also married, but I havnt had the time to go to church on a regular basis with 3 small children, and am a little nervous about approaching the reverand.
How should I approach the Reverand, and do you think it would be possible to have our marriage blessed and two children christened at the same time?
Thank you
Jennifer
Comments
Hi Jennifer
Yes it will certainly be possible. Don't worry about approaching the Vicar because if you live in the parish then the Vicar has a duty of care towards you and your children and ultimately they can't refuse to Baptise your children. However, Baptism requires you to make certain promises on behalf of the children and the Church may want you to attend a course so that you are very clear on the promises you'll be making. Some churches offer a Thanksgiving service in advance which is lovely and it's a way for you to say "Thank You" to God for the birth of your children - and for the Church to welcome you in.
I'm sure the Minister will be happy to chat with you about a blessing and it makes perfect sense for you to do this when you have gathered family and friends together for the Baptism. Again this service assumes that you want to live a Christian life - so look carefully at the service outline so that you are prepared for the challenges.
Welcoming churches can cope with three children and will have play corners or group sessions that they can be included in, so try and make the effort to attend. It will open up a whole new life and network of friends for you and the 2 services you are requesting are a great start.
Kind regards
Jan