Baptisms
Baptism of a Child
You are most welcome to get in touch with us to find out about having your child baptised.
Baptism is the start of an amazing journey of faith and a special day for all your friends and family. Baptism or christening is the formal way we become Christians. It is a sacrament – a physical sign (the pouring-on of water) – with specific words, making a promise to God to bring a child up in the Christian faith. The baptism service enables you as parents, with godparents, to make promises on behalf of your child. As part of the baptism service, the church also formally welcomes your child into the Christian community.
More information about baptism – what it means for your child and family, what happens in the service, godparents and more - is here: https://www.churchofengland.org/life-events/christenings.
Children who are baptised at our churches are usually resident in our parishes, or have a particular family connection to either church. If you are unsure, please do get in touch with us, as we are always open to welcoming new families into our church communities.
If you would like your child’s baptism to take place at St. Mary’s or St. Luke’s, please contact either the Parish Office on 0797 065 5092 or the Vicar, Revd. Andrew Axon, on 01892 80688. Once the baptism has been agreed, one of our baptismal visitors will be in touch with you to arrange a visit in to explain more about the service, and to agree a date for the baptism to take place.
Usually baptisms take place during a Sunday service. There are no fees charged for a baptism.
ADULT BAPTISM
Whenever it happens, whether as a baby, child or adult, baptism is at the heart of an amazing journey of faith as a Christian. You are never too old to take this step, and being baptised as an adult can be a wonderful experience.
The baptism service for adults, as for children, is the formal way we become Christians. Water will be poured on your head at the font, and specific words will be said as part of your promise to God to follow your life in the Christian faith. As part of the baptism service, the church also formally welcomes you into the Christian community.
More information about adult baptism can be found here: https://www.churchofengland.org/life-events/adult-baptism.
If you would like to know more about baptism at St. Luke’s or St. Mary’s, please contact either the Parish Office on 0797 065 5092 or the Vicar, Revd. Andrew Axon, on 01892 80688.
We would also love to see you are one of our regular services if you are not already attending, as this will help you get to know our church community.
Weddings
Marrying in church is meaningful, joyful and spiritual, just as you want it to be. Both our parish churches of St. Mary’s and St. Luke’s are beautiful historic and unique places to get married in. We love sharing this important milestone with couples. The prayers, promises and celebration become part of your marriage on the day itself and beyond.
You can get married in one of our churches if you have lived in the parish, or if you have another specific connection with the church. Please do speak to us if you have any questions. You are very welcome to contact the Vicar or the Parish Office to discuss your proposed marriage.
Before your wedding, a member of our Clergy Team will meet with you both to discuss your ceremony and help you plan your wedding. We would also very much like to get to know you before your wedding ceremony, so please come and join one of our regular church services before your special day.
Funerals
We appreciate that the death of a loved one is a very difficult time for all family and friends, a time of great sadness and grief. A funeral in church offers the opportunity to give thanks for all that person meant to you, to mark the end of that person’s life on earth, and to commend them into God’s keeping.
Please do contact the Vicar or the Parish Office if you wish to have a funeral in one of our churches. We will give you help and support to prepare for the day and plan the content of the ceremony.