On this page you will find most (or all) of what you need
to know about having your baby Baptised.

So where do I start?

Firstly, we suggest that you print off the application form below. You will need Acrobat Reader on your PC.

Application for Baptism Form

Please read the following:

Obtaining permission from your parish priest
If you live outside the parish you must first obtain permission from your Parish Priest. If there is any problem do not hesitate to contact the our Parish Priest or the director of the pre-baptism session.

Choosing a date
Baptisms are held on the first and third Sundays of the month. To check availability on your chosen day telephone 01962 852804, or you can email by clicking here .

Baptism receptions
If you are considering a get together, before or following the Baptism service, you may wish to consider the Milner Hall. Situated in a beautiful garden setting in the grounds of St Peter's church it could not be more convenient. For more information click here.

Choosing the Godparents
The minimum requirement is one Catholic Godparent. Any other person asked to act as a Godparent should be a believing Christian. During the ceremony Godparents promise to help the parents to bring up the child in the Catholic faith. They should take this responsibility seriously.

Pre-Baptism Sessions
Parents are required to attend a Pre-Baptism session prior to the Baptism of their first child to be Baptised at St Peter's. Please ask for details.

On the day of the Baptism

Getting to Church
You may wish to provide the following information to your guests, particularly those coming from afar.

Directional map Click here to go to Multimaps.

GPS Satellite Navigation - Drivers with the benefit of GPS in their vehicles will require the address or postcode of St Peters to enter the destination, they are:

Jewry Street
Winchester
Hampshire

SO23 8BW

Car parking
There is a car park opposite St Peter's in Jewry Street
(the Library car park) and parking is allowed on a Sunday in St Peter Street, behind our church. There is also limited parking within the grounds of the church. Those parking at the church are requested to vacate parking spaces immediately following your Baptism service, for the benefit of those attending other services. There are several other council car parks within a short walk of St Peter's.

Timing
The ceremony commences at 12.30pm. Parents, godparents and their guests are requested to arrive approximately 10 minutes beforehand. Whilst yours might be the only Baptism that day this cannot be guaranteed.

Young Children
There are always young children at Baptism ceremonies. Do encourage them to enjoy the service and to join in when appropriate, a Baptism is a happy time for everyone. Parents and guardians are requested not to allow children to enter the Sanctuary, the red-carpeted area between the altar steps and the altar. Male visitors of all ages are requested not to wear hats or caps.

Charges
No charge is made for Baptism. It is the custom to make a donation to the priest. There is no sum laid down, it's up to you how much you give, bearing in mind your own financial situation.

Baptism Certificate
Do ensure that you collect your child's Baptism certificate. It can be collected in the days following the ceremony from Peterhouse, during office hours. NB The certificate must be retained safely as it will be required later, when applying for a place at a Catholic school and for First Holy Communion and Confirmation.