Life Events
As we travel through life we all mark milestones along the way. It could be committing a child to God in a service of baptism, making heartfelt vows on our wedding day, or coming together with family and friends to mark the end of the life of a loved one.
These ceremonies are an opportunity for us to join with God, throughout our path in life.
Baptisms
A Commitment to God
We are delighted that you are thinking of having your child baptised at St Mary’s. The birth of a baby is a very good time to think about the mystery of life and about what you want for your children. Baptism (sometimes called Christening) is a sacrament, a visible sign of God’s love. It marks the beginning of our journey of Christian faith. When young children are baptised, their parents and godparents make promises on their behalf to bring them up within the Christian faith and to encourage them by their example to become followers of Jesus Christ.
Older children and adults can also be baptised and will make the promises for themselves. For them, baptism usually takes place at the same time as Confirmation after a short course of preparation in which they learn more about the Christian faith and the meaning of Baptism.
Weddings
Getting married at St Mary’s
Congratulations on your engagement. We are delighted that you are thinking of getting married in church.
If you live in the Parish or attend St Mary’s regularly, you are entitled to be married here. You can also marry at St Mary’s if you can show a real connection with the parish. Please see the Church of England website for further details and click below to find out about applying and preparing for a wedding at St Mary’s.
Funerals
Giving Thanks for a Life
The death of a loved one is one of the hardest things we have to face as human beings. At St Mary’s we aim to do all we can to support people through this difficult time. Our clergy are available to talk and pray with you and the church is open during the day if you would like to spend time alone in quiet.
If you want to arrange a funeral at St Mary’s or to ask for a particular member of the clergy to conduct a funeral at the crematorium, then it is usually best first to appoint a funeral director and ask them to liaise with us on dates and times.
Once the funeral has been arranged, one of the clergy will visit you at a time which suits you, to plan the funeral and to talk with you about the person who has died.
Each year on a Sunday in early November we hold a Memorial Service at St Mary’s when those who have died in the past year are remembered by name. Please contact one of the clergy if you would like more information about these services.
You can find details of Funeral Fees here.
There is some helpful information from the Church of England here.