Baptism
Baptism marks the public beginning of a journey with Jesus that continues for the rest of our lives.
2000 years ago Jesus instructed his disciples to baptise new members of his community; baptism has been the public mark of church membership ever since. In the Church of England we welcome people of all ages to baptism. Those who come to be baptised make a commitment to follow Jesus and put him first. When babies or younger children are baptised, parents and godparents make those promises on their behalf.
Infant baptism (or ‘christening’) is a sign that God loves us even before we are able to respond to him in faith.
Learn More
When – Baptisms are part of our main Sunday service at 10.30am, St Mary’s
How long – A service with Baptism is about 80-90 minutes; there is a Sunday Club for children.
Alternative – As an alternative, you may wish to look at a ‘thanksgiving for the gift of a child’.
Next steps -Come to one of our services and speak with the service leader. Contact us to find out about the next Baptism Preparation Evening.
Helpful website – Church of England Christenings https://churchofenglandchristenings.org/
Weddings
A wedding is one of life’s great moments. Marriage is God’s idea and he wants to be at the heart of your relationship, blessing you on your wedding day and throughout your entire married life. Christian marriage is based on the solemn, public and life-long vows between bride and groom, made in the presence of God and before witnesses.
St Mary’s is a beautiful church with a long history of Christian worship and a great venue for weddings. Why not come along to one of our Sunday services at 10.30am? You can have a first chat with one of the church leaders afterwards and find out about the next steps. You can also contact us to find out more.
When – Most weddings take place on Saturdays. Please note that we do not book weddings for Fridays or more than 18 months in advance.
Can I get married at St Mary’s? You need a ‘qualifying connection’ to get married in our church. To find out more, follow the link below.
Alternative – If you have already been married in a civil ceremony, you may want to explore a special service of blessing.
Next steps – come along to one of our services. Contact us to find out more.
Helpful website – www.yourchurchwedding.org – answers to questions you may have and a wedding service planner
Funerals
“Out of the depths I cry to you, LORD; Lord, hear my voice. Let your ears be attentive to my cry for mercy.” Psalm 130.1-2
When someone you love has died, it is a time of sadness and pain. We are here to help you through your bereavement. Please contact our church office (01895 832771) to speak confidentially with our secretary. We can also arrange for a pastoral visit from a church member to talk and pray with you.
When – Funerals will be arranged by the funeral director of your choice who will contact our church office.
Who can be buried in St Mary’s Churchyard? Those who live in the parish, have died in the parish or are on our church membership list (‘electoral roll’).
Where can I find details about churchyard regulations?
Our church office has a helpful leaflet. You can also go to www.oxford.anglican.org/churchyards for more details.
Helpful website – www.churchofenglandfunerals.org