Baptism
Baptism
At Baptism we welcome people into the life of the church and everyone is welcome to be baptised. It is the beginning of a person’s spiritual journey and can be a wonderful event and an important part of church and family life. Parents and God-parents (sponsors) make promises on behalf of their children.
Thanksgiving & Naming
This is also offered to families as sometimes a formal Baptism is not suitable or people may prefer to leave that until the child is older. So, we are happy to offer an alternative service for your child or children either at Church or as part of a family celebration elsewhere.
Weddings
Weddings
Your Wedding day should be a wonderful celebration of love and unity, it is a time where we begin our lives in partnership and commitment. This day offers us the opportunity to share our joy and hope for the future, to enjoy festivities with our family and our friends.
Often it is important for people who perhaps do not even worship regularly to have God’s blessing as they begin this new stage. We are very happy to share this time with couples, to help with preparations and to participate in the Wedding.
Our beautiful historical churches provide a wonderful setting for the storybook wedding. However, we are always happy to discuss services at venues that may be significant to you.
Funerals
Funerals
Compassionate support for grieving families is provided by the Parish Priest and Pastoral Care visitors. The life of your loved one should be celebrated reverently and respectfully and we hope to assist and support you in achieving that.
We can also assist with hiring the hall and organising some of your catering needs if required. All service arrangements can be organised with the Parish Priest.
Confession
Confession
Acknowledging our guilt, grief and loss is helpful for people and Anglicans have generally believed that Confession is good for the soul. For that reason, every Eucharist (Communion Service) has a General Confession included. However, there are times when private Confession or Reconciliation with a priest might be more effective in dealing with troubling matters in our lives.
This is an important sacramental ministry of the Church which allows you to disclose things that are challenging your life and journey, and for the priest to declare God’s forgiveness or absolution, so that you may be freed from a sense of guilt or are better able to resolve matters. To access this ministry please call the parish Priest.
1st Communion
1st Communion
At first Communion we welcome children to receive the sacrament of Holy Communion. This is an important and happy step in the Christian journey for children who regularly attend church.
To discuss this please speak to the Parish Priest.
Confirmation
Confirmation
Confirmation is a traditional church activity for those wishing to make the next stage of commitment as adult members of the Church. It is a step that is not taken lightly and requires some preparation and spiritual development. Classes are generally arranged with the priest and continue over several weeks either privately or in groups. The Bishop performs the Confirmation by praying and laying hands on the persons head. This is a joyous celebration and rite of passage in a person’s spiritual journey.
Healing Ministry
Healing Ministry
Our faith provides an important strength when we are unwell or vulnerable and special services combined with the Eucharist are held regularly to support those in need. If you or your loved ones would like to access this ministry, please contact the Priest to organise a visit in hospital or home. (for more information see Pastoral Care)
House Blessings
House Blessings
Anyone moving into a new or different house or even business premises may request a service of Blessing. Sometimes blessings are done as part of a house warming or the opening of a new business.
