Life Events
Accompanying people during life’s moments of both joy and sorrow is a vital part of our ministry at St Mary’s. If you would like us to pray with you, or simply need someone to talk to, the Clergy are always available, regardless of your beliefs.
We believe that Baptism is a gift that God offers to all people, regardless of their age. Yet because children are too young to make this commitment themselves, parents and godparents make promises on the child’s behalf as well as their own. When a child is old enough, it is expected that he or she will affirm these promises at their Confirmation.
Baptisms
At St Mary’s, we are always delighted to welcome new members into the Christian family. Baptism (also known as christening) is the sacrament by which a person becomes a member of the worldwide Christian Church. Even for the youngest among us, becoming a Christian means a new start in life, because through Baptism we die to sin and are reborn in the faith of Jesus Christ. Baptism thus marks the start of a journey with God that continues for the rest of our lives. It is also the moment when the wider community of the Church welcomes the new Christian and promises support for the future.
We believe that Baptism is a gift that God offers to all people, regardless of their age. Yet because children are too young to make this commitment themselves, parents and godparents make promises on the child’s behalf as well as their own. When a child is old enough, it is expected that he or she will affirm these promises at their Confirmation.
To learn more about arranging a baptism at St Mary’s, either for yourself or your child, please contact one of the Clergy. For more information, please also see the Baptisms Section of the Church of England website.
Banns and Weddings
Warm congratulations on your engagement! Whether you would like to have your marriage service at St Mary’s or need to have your Banns read for a service taking place elsewhere, we look forward to helping you prepare for your Church of England wedding.
The ‘Calling of Banns’ is a legal requirement in the Church of England, whereby a couple’s intention to marry is read out at the main service on three consecutive Sundays in the three months before the wedding day. Banns are called in the parish where the couple resides, as well as in the church where the marriage will take place. So, even if your service is taking place elsewhere, you will need have your Banns read at St Mary’s if one or both of you lives in this parish.
What you should do next:
- Confirm that you reside in St Mary’s Parish by checking A Church Near You website.
- Contact the Parish Office or the Vicar to obtain a Banns form.
- Return the completed form with the Banns fee (set by the Church of England).
- Attend the main Sunday service on one or all three of the occasions when your Banns are read.
- Collect your Banns certificate after the third time your Banns are read.
- Give the certificate to the clergy person performing your marriage service before your wedding.
To learn more about arranging a wedding at St Mary’s, please contact one of the Clergy. For more information, please also see the Weddings Section of the Church of England website.
Funerals
Everyone is entitled to a Church of England funeral in their parish church, regardless of whether or not they attended services. While many people now opt for a service at the crematorium, there are many advantages to a church funeral. Often people choose to have the funeral service in church prior to a short committal at the crematorium or burial ground.
To learn more about arranging a funeral at St Mary’s, please contact one of the Clergy. For more information, please also see the Funerals Section of the Church of England website.
