Baptisms (Christenings)
Baptism (Christening) for Children
We’re delighted you’re thinking of baptism for your child. Your child is precious to you and precious to God. At baptism you promise to raise your child to know God loves them, and to help them to follow Jesus as a member of the Church.
In baptism, you as parents are: thanking God for his gift of life, making a decision to start your child on the journey of faith and asking for the Church’s support. A Church of England Christening is for everyone! If you wish to explore the possibility of having your child baptised, please contact us for an informal chat.
Baptism for Adults
Baptism is not just for children but also for Adults. In baptism, we thank God for his gift of life and publicly acknowledge his love. Maybe you are exploring questions about God and want to express this through baptism. If so contact us for more information.
Confirmation
Confirmation marks the point in the Christian journey where those who have been baptised as children make a firm commitment to Christian discipleship. Through prayer and the laying on of hands by a bishop, the Church also asks God to give those being confirmed power, through the Holy Spirit, to live the life of discipleship.
Making arrangements for a baptism or confirmation
To take the next step in arranging a baptism or confirmation, please contact us using the details at the bottom of the page.
Weddings
You are welcome to marry in church whatever your beliefs, whether or not you are christened and whether or not you regularly go to church. It is your wedding day and within the restrictions of the legal process we wish to help you create a service that reflects your love for each other and has that personal touch. And, marrying in church has never been easier.
A Church of England Wedding is for everyone. You can marry in a CofE church if you can show:-
- That one of you:
- has at any time lived in the parish for a period of at least 6 months or was baptised in the parish concerned or
- was prepared for confirmation in the parish or
- has at any time regularly gone to normal church services in the parish church for a period of at least 6 months or
- That one of your parents, at any time after you were born:
- has lived in the parish for a period of at least 6 months or
- has regularly gone to normal church services in the parish church for a period of at least 6 months or
- That one of your parents or grandparents was married in the parish
And did you know that if you move house, you’re immediately connected to the church there? That means you can marry in the church of your new parish. Even if you cannot demonstrate any of the above connections, we want to help you explore whether it may still be possible for you to marry at St Mary Magdalen Church.
Cost of a church wedding
The cost of a church wedding is reviewed every January and includes administration, heating and lighting cost. Payment to staff such as the organist and verger (who prepares the church for the service) and the cost for the Priest to conduct the service. It normally comes to around £600 for a wedding at St Mary Magdalen Church.
If you are interested in getting married at St Mary Magdalen contact us for further information.
Blessing of your Marriage
A marriage blessing is an opportunity for you to renew your wedding vows and pray for God’s blessing on your continued love for each other, giving thanks for all that has been and looking to the future. People come to us for a marriage blessing for a variety of reasons. Whether it is a significant anniversary, a life changing event or simply an opportunity to tell each other and the world how much you are in love, we would welcome any enquiry about a marriage blessing. We can hold a service in the main body of the church or for a more romantic and intimate feel when there are less than 30 guests we can hold the service in our Lady Chapel surrounded by candles and stain glass windows. Contact us for further information.
Making arrangements for a wedding
To take the next step in arranging a baptism or confirmation, please contact us using the details at the bottom of the page.
Recent weddings and blessings at St Mary’s
Congratulations to Naomi and Andrew Reid on their beautiful wedding on 30 July 2016! (Photos copyright Bloom Weddings Photography).
Congratulations to Iris and Mike Callow for the 60th Wedding Anniversary! They came back to St Mary Magdalen Church this past weekend to celebrate:
Funerals
St Mary Magdalen is always here to help you through one of life’s most difficult times. A Church of England funeral is available to everyone, giving support before, during and after the service, for as long as it’s needed.
In order to arrange a funeral with us, please ask your Funeral Director to contact us directly to make the necessary arrangements. If you have not yet contacted a funeral directory, any the following firms will be able to help you:
St Mary Magdalen Church 