| Is there a minimum or maximum number for Godparents? The minimum number of godparents is three, two of the same sex and at least one of the opposite sex to the child being baptized. |  |
| What is a suitable Baptism book for older siblings? The national CofE Children’s Adviser Mary Hawes co-authored Getting Ready for Baptism, which is a course designed to be used with older children and their families. | |
| What are 'Parochial Fees' exactly? Parochial fees are the required (legally payable) fees for weddings, baptisms and funerals. |  |
| Where do I buy all of the resources? Professionally designed and printed resources, many of which can be customized with your church’s details, can be ordered on the Church print Hub: | |
| Can we charge extra on top of the parochial fee if our church building is large? No, it would be unlawful to do so. In rare circumstances, and in consultation with the archdeacon or other diocesan advisor in every case, the person paying may be invited to make a voluntary contribution to help cover additional costs incurred. This would be to help cover exceptional costs only, su | |
| What PCC items are covered by parochial fees? Any costs and expenses in relation to routine administration connected to a service apply to the PCC part of the fee. This includes arranging dates and times, making entries in the marriage register, plus making the church building available and lighting it. It is unlawful to make any additional cha | |
| What are the current fees for baptisms, weddings and funerals? | |
| Can parochial fees ever be waived? In cases of genuine financial hardship of the person paying, the incumbent/priest-in-charge has the right of waiver, but should consult with the PCC and churchwardens first. That said, fees cannot be waived generally - they can only be waived 'in a particular case'. So there needs to be good r | |
| Do parents have to be baptized? There is no requirement for the parents to be baptized. But they should feel able to support the child in their faith journey, and this may eventually lead to conversations about their own baptism. | |
| Do I make a charge for the baptism certificate? No fees are payable for baptism itself or for entering the baptism in the register of baptisms. The fee prescribed in the table of parochial fees for a certificate issued at the time of baptism is payable only if a certified copy of the entry in the register is asked for and provided. No fee | |
