Baptism is an important occasion both for you and for all who share in the life and work of the Parish. Baptism, or ‘christening’ as it is sometimes called, is the way we make public our personal Christian commitment. Jesus was baptised in the river Jordan at the start of his ministry, and ever since Christians have baptised new believers as a sign of their Christian discipleship.
Clearly, infants and children cannot make a conscious commitment to Christian discipleship, so parents helped by sponsors, or ‘Godparents’ make the baptismal promises on their behalf. The parents and Godparents promise to bring the child up in a Christian home, to take part in Christian worship on a regular basis and when the child is old enough to encourage him or her to be confirmed. At confirmation the child can confirm for him or herself the promises that were made on his or her behalf.
It is normal for Baptisms to take place at on of our main Sunday services (9.45am at St James and 11.30am at St Clement) so that the family of faith can welcome new believers. In some circumstances it is also possible to arrange to have your child baptised at 1.15pm at either of the churches on a Sunday.
If you would like to know more about baptism or make arrangements for your child to be baptised please contact our parish office and ask to talk to a member of clergy; we will send you some details and make arrangements to meet you and discuss the service.
There is no charge for baptism, although parents are asked to consider making a donation to the work of the parish.
Weddings
There are few things more exciting and momentous in life than entering into marriage. If you or your partner live in the Parish or attend Saint Clement or Saint James regularly then you may choose to be married in the Parish Church. If you are preparing to be married, contact the parish office as soon as possible and we can book a date and arrange for you to meet with a member of clergy.
In a wedding a significant change begins in your relationship. This is demonstrated by making solemn vows; making a joyful commitment to love one another for the rest of your lives in all circumstances which may come your way. You will join hands to show your companionship and intimacy, and you will exchange rings - a symbol of the eternal love of God, which like a ring, has no ending.
It is normal to meet at least three times with the Priest who will marry you and this will include a wedding rehearsal approximately two weeks before the wedding.
Please contact the Parish Administrator, Helena, to check the current fees for a wedding.
Funerals
When hearing about the death of someone close to us there may be a torrent of emotions to deal with as well as a host of arrangements to make in a short space of time. If you have been recently bereaved, our heart goes out to you in your grief.
Normally the undertaker will contact the Church on your behalf and start the process of making the funeral arrangements by passing your details to the Clergy.
We will then contact you and arrange to visit you to talk about the arrangements for the funeral and to learn, with you, how we can best celebrate and give thanks for the life of the person who has died.
Please contact the Parish Office if you would
like to discuss anything to do with funerals.