Weddings and Baptisms
WEDDINGS
Weddings within Church of England services are a wonderful way to begin a new life together. The bride and groom make their vows before God and in the presence of their family and friends. At St Mary’s we are delighted to celebrate the marriage of many couples. And yes we welcome confetti!
A church service offers both an opportunity to capture a vision for the years to come, and fulfils all the legal requirements under British Marriage Law. Under current legislation couples may marry at the parish church where either of them lives, or where either or them are a member of the church’s electoral roll.
In addition couples may marry in a Church of England parish:
- Where either of them was baptised or confirmed
- Where their parents/grandparents were married
- A parish where either of them, or their parents*, has previously lived for at least 6 months
- A church where either of them, or their parents*, has attended worship for at least 6 months
* NB This must have been within the lifetime of the couple themselves.
It might all sound a bit complicated, but it is really quite simple. So if you would like to know any more please ring the Parish Office, the details are under the Contacts section.
A member of the clergy team will meet with each couple and guide you through all the arrangements.
BAPTISMS
Originally baptism was an act of Christian initiation undertaken only by adults. In time Christian parents asked that their children also be made members of the Church, hence the service in which children are baptised, and at which their parents and godparents make the decision on their behalf. In time the young person reaches an age when they are able to make this decision for themselves, and they come for Confirmation.
Baptism is a serious commitment and a family
celebration. It is something to think about seriously as bringing small
children to church on a regular basis is not an easy undertaking. It
takes time, determination and commitment.
Baptisms are arranged
by first of all ringing our Parish Office, the details are in the
Contacts section. We have a team of baptism visitors who will call on
local families to help with the arrangements and to welcome you to St
Mary’s.
Every autumn the baptism team arrange a special Baptism Tea Party to which we invite all those baptised over the past couple of years. Parents and children take part in story telling, usually either Noah’s Ark, Jonah and the Whale, or Daniel in the Lion’s Den. (Sometimes we have a boat in church, but never real live lions!)
