Baptism, Marriage and Funerals:    

Please see the information below.  

When you are ready to get in touch, please use this form

If you have any difficulty, contact the Parish Office churchhall@btconnect.com  01425 614077

         BAPTISM

What is Baptism all about?

As part of Christian life throughout the centuries, baptism marks an important stage in our journey with God which continues for the rest of our lives, and our response to God’s love. For all involved, particularly the candidates but also parents, godparents and sponsors, it is a joyful moment when we rejoice in what God has done for us in Christ, making serious promises and declaring the faith. The wider community of the local church and friends welcome the new Christian, promising support and prayer for the future. Hearing and doing these things provides an opportunity to remember our own baptism and reflect on the progress made on that journey, which is now to be shared with this new member of the Church. As the church community, we take Baptism very seriously and therefore we invite you to explore with us the significance and importance of this, as you prepare for this great occasion.

Who can be baptised in the parish Church?

Anyone - child or adult - who lives in the parish or has a connection with the parish churches. This can be through parents or Children whose parents live in the parish or whose parents' names are on the Parish Electoral Roll have the right to be baptised here. If you live outside the parish, but still want to be baptised at St Mary Magdalene, you will need to contact us and your local parish to ask for approval. 

Where and when would the service be?

Baptisms take place in one of the three churches. The service is normally at 3pm and lasts about twenty minutes. There is usually a waiting list of two to three months for baptism so please don’t wait till the last minute to get in touch.

Baptism Preparation

You will be invited to pick up an application form from one of our Sunday morning services. Once you have completed the form you will be invited to bring it back to a meeting with the Vicar which is an opportunity to talk through what is involved in a Baptism and ask any questions you may have.

What happens in the service?

The service paints many vivid pictures of what happens on the Christian way. There is the sign of the cross, the badge of faith in the Christian journey, which reminds us of Christ’s death for us. Our ‘drowning’ in the water of baptism, where we believe we die to sin and are raised to new life, unites us to Christ’s dying and rising, a picture that can be brought home vividly by the way the baptism is administered. Water is also a sign of new life, as we are born again by water and the Spirit. This reminds us of Jesus’ baptism. And as a sign of that new life, there may be a lighted candle, a picture of the light of Christ conquering the darkness of evil. Everyone who is baptised walks in that light for the rest of their lives.

Who (and how many) can be a godparent?

A godparent must be a baptised Christian, and preferably confirmed. You should try to choose people who will be good role models for your child – ‘Who do I want my child to be like?’ The normal pattern is to have two godparents of the same sex as the child and one of the opposite sex, but it is far more important to have the right people than to stick to this.

What do parents and godparents do?

In the service itself, the parents and godparents are asked to affirm their Christian faith and they make promises to bring up the child as a Christian, ‘by teaching and example’. A card is usually given to the godparents reminding them that they should:

Pray regularly for the child

Set an example of Christian living

Help the child to grow in the Christian faith

Give every encouragement to follow Christ and fight evil

Help the child towards Confirmation

How much does it cost?

There is no charge for a baptism – it is a symbol of God’s free and unconditional love for all people. There is usually a plate available at the church if anyone wishes to make a donation.

More Information

More information can be found on the Church of England website Christenings 

MARRIAGE

Getting married in church is a sign to your friends, family and most importantly to each other that you are ready to make a public declaration of love and commitment in front of those who love you and are part of your life together, including God.

During the service you will make vows promising to love each other throughout your lifetime and stick together through thick and thin. The priest will ask for God’s blessing on your marriage and there will be readings, hymns, prayers and a short talk.

All you need to plan your church wedding, from the legal aspects of marriage to a ceremony planner, and including frequently asked questions, visit  Weddings

If you have decided you would like to be married at one of the Parish churches please us to discuss this further.

Services of Blessing and Thanksgiving.

If you are to be married in a civil ceremony you can ask us for a service of blessing, officially called an Order of Prayer and Dedication after a Civil Marriage. We will be very pleased to help you plan the service and will advise you about how it is best suited to your circumstances. It will be a special service and may follow straight after the Civil Marriage itself. You could have lots of guests, special clothes, flowers and a reception or you can have a simple service with a few loved ones.

During the service you can have your rings blessed, affirm your commitment to one another and the priest will pray for your marriage. As you are already married rings are not exchanged and you are expected to come into church together.

A Service of Thanksgiving can be held to celebrate an anniversary, after a time of separation or difficulty in a marriage or when a number of couples reaffirm their vows together. The text of the service can be read here. It includes readings, hymns and prayers and the chance to bless the rings and renew wedding vows. 

For more information, please see contacts at the top of this page. 

FUNERALS

Please visit this helpful information from the Church of England website.  Funerals