Baptism & Confirmation
Holy Baptism (christening) is how someone becomes a member of the Church. In the Church of England we baptize both children and adults. The water of baptism washes away sin and gives the gift of eternal life, making the person being baptized part of the Body of Christ, the Church.
If you live in the parish or worship with us regularly — or would like to worship with us regularly — you are encouraged to bring your child for baptism. We normally baptize at the 10.30am Sung Mass on Sundays. You will need three Godparents, who should themselves be baptized and, ideally, confirmed and churchgoers.
If you are an adult seeking baptism, we traditionally celebrate baptism and confirmation together.
Confirmation marks a personal commitment to the promises of faith, connects you to the wider church, and is administered by a bishop through the laying on of hands. In this sacrament, we pray for the gifts of the Holy Spirit to strengthen and guide you—wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and awe in God's presence (Isaiah 11:2). Confirmation is also the traditional way adults are admitted to receiving Holy Communion.
If you are exploring confirmation or have questions about taking this next step, please speak to a member of the clergy after Mass or get in touch below.
Funerals
To make arrangements for the funeral of a family member or friend, please contact one of the clergy, either directly or through a funeral director. For most funerals at St Faith’s we normally recommend the services of W.Uden & Sons or FA Albin & Sons, both long-estabished local family firms. The clergy will make every effort to meet with you at the earliest opportunity, to support you in your bereavement and to plan a funeral service in keeping with the faith of the person who has died.
At St Faith’s it is possible to have a simple funeral service, with two or three hymns, readings, an address, and some organ music. Often at St Faith’s a funeral is conducted in the context of Holy Communion (A requiem Mass).
It is a good idea to prepare for your own funeral, and to be able to leave instructions about it in your will or with your family. Please feel free to talk about this with the clergy.
Weddings
If you are looking at this page because you are thinking about getting married, first please accept our congratulations on your engagement! Christian marriage is a joyful and demanding commitment. Be assured of our prayers for all those preparing for marriage.
We would be thrilled for you to get married at St Faith’s. You can be married at St Faith’s if you live in the parish, if you are a regular worshipper with us (regular is defined as more or less weekly for six months) or if you have a 'qualifying connection'. A qualifying connection is any of
You were Baptized in the parish
You were Confirmed in the parish
You have ever lived in the parish for at least six months
A parent or grandparent of yours was married in the parish
A parent of yours lived in the parish for at least six months during your lifetime
A parent of yours habitually attended public worship in the parish for at least six months during your lifetime
We take the care of wedding couples very seriously; a member of the clergy will meet with you several times before the day to help prepare you for marriage and also to sort out the practicalities of the service, including the music, readings and flowers.
If either of you is divorced and has a former spouse still living, please consult the Vicar.
The current charges for a church wedding are fixed nationally. Extra charges are payable for the services of an organist, choir or flowers if required. Video recording of the service requires special approval and incurs an additional fee.
Once again, please accept our congratulations! We look forward to welcoming you to St Faith’s.