Baptisms, Funerals, Weddings

Special Services
Baptism (Christenings) and Confirmation
      Baptisms and Christenings are the same thing! Baptism is the formal way of welcoming someone into the Christian faith, and into membership of God's family.
For adults baptism is on the basis of their own faith in God. For children it is on the basis of the faith and promises of their parents.
      The clergy always welcome enquiries about baptism. If you don't attend already, please come to a 10.30am Sunday service at church, and introduce yourself at the end of the service.
Parents of children to be baptised will be invited to attend a preparation group (single session). Adults interested in being baptised and/or confirmed are invited to join an Emmaus course [see GROUPS & ACTIVITIES].
      Ideally baptisms take place as part of the main morning service at 10.30am. We offer this on the 1st Sunday, and on other Sundays by arrangement.

Weddings
Everyone is entitled to be married at St Mary's who lives in the parish and/or is a regular worshipping member of the church. Recently the Church of England has changed the rules in order to make it easier for you to be married in a Church of your choice.  Now an engaged couple can do just that if either of you can show just one of the following seven connections with the parish.

That one of you:

 

  • was baptised at St Mary's or
  • was prepared for confirmation in the parish or
  • has at any time lived in the parish for a period of at least 6 months or
  • has at any time regularly attended worship at St Mary's 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 attended worship at St Mary's for a period of at least 6 months or

That one of your parents or grandparents:

  • was married in the parish

Talk to the Vicar there well in advance to discuss the options open to you.

Previously Married?
Where someone has been previously married, permission to marry in church is at the discretion of local clergy and the Bishop. If this is your position, do not be discouraged from contacting us.

Renewal of Vows
We also welcome enquiries from couples with an association with the church who would like to have a civil ceremony blessed or to renew their vows, perhaps after a significant anniversary.

Preparation
All couples are invited to a short course, which includes sessions on the ceremony and communication.

Booking a Date
Weddings can take place on any day of the week, including Sundays. While some couples like to book as far as 18 months ahead, we can usually fit a wedding in next month!
Contact: Vicarage office  01895 825960 

Funerals
      We are very pleased to take funerals for anyone in our parish, whether they have close associations with St Mary's or none. This applies both to those who have died, and those who are bereaved. We invite everyone to consider having a funeral in church, which may be followed by burial or cremation. Of course we also take services at the Crematorium.
      Normally a funeral is arranged between the family, an undertaker and the parish clergy. We see funerals as an opportunity to give thanks for the life of the person who has died, to commend them to God, and to provide for the needs of those who mourn.
      Burial in St Mary's churchyard is available for all who live in the parish. It is not possible to buy or reserve space in the churchyard, nor is it necessary. There are Regulations (displayed on the reverse of the church notice board) which state clearly what is allowed in the churchyard. For example these regulations indicate which types of monument may be placed on a grave.
      Following a cremation, ashes can be buried in the churchyard.
Contact: Vicarage office 01895 825960 

The Parish Office 

c/o The Vicarage 

28 Countess Close 

Harefield 

UB9 6DL