Stone Church, St Mary the Virgin
13th Century parish church of Stone-next-Dartford, Kent
A place of welcome, prayer, healing and peace.
Baptism and confirmation
Baptisms ( often referred to as Christening ), and confirmation preparation take place through the year. Please contact the Rector for details.
Baptism and confirmation is the way that a person joins the Christian church. Anyone may be baptised but confirmation is reserved for those who have reached the 'age of discretion’ – about the age of 12. Baptism is administered on Sundays normally during the 10am service or else at 11.30am, immediately after the service. Only exceptionally are other times considered. This is so that the baptism can be witnessed and celebrated by the largest number of Christian worshipers.
Confirmation is administered by the Bishop on certain occasions throughout the year and is normally preceded by a programme of preparation. Confirmation preparation happens each year, usually beginning in the Spring but can also take place in the Autumn. After confirmation one is considered a full member of the Church, is entitled to receive Holy Communion and can act as a Godparent.
If you would like your child to be baptised, please contact the Clergy team in the first instance. If you yourself are considering baptism, and, or confirmation, please contact the Clergy team to discuss your needs.
No fees are charged for baptisms or confirmations, but a thank offering is appropriate.
A service of thanksgiving for the birth of a child is available as an alternative to those families who feel that baptism is not appropriate to them at their stage of faith. This would take place in the context of a Sunday morning service.