St Catherine's, Mile Cross
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."
Baptisms/christenings
The birth of a baby is one of life’s miracles – as those who can’t have children know only too well. It can be a time when we want to celebrate with family and friends and thank God for the gift of new life. We want to publicly state our commitment to giving our child the love and care they need to grow and flourish. A Service of Thanksgiving or Baptism can take place within a Sunday service or at another time.
Thanksgiving for the Gift of a Child can include:
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giving thanks for your child’s birth or adoption;
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naming your child;
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blessing and anointing your child;
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celebrating your commitment to your child;
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praying for parents and those who support you;
Baptism is also known as Christening marks a decision to enter fully into the Christian community. Baptism is one way of marking the beginning of our journey with God, a journey which continues throughout our lives.
You can be baptised at any age, although infants and young children are baptised on the understanding that their families will bring them up in the Christian Way. This includes belonging to a church community where they can learn what it means to follow Jesus’ vision for a world transformed by love, justice and wisdom.
We welcome enquiries whatever the marital status of parents – married or not, in same-sex relationships or single, God’s love knows no bounds.
If you would like more information about baptism you can follow this link to the Church of England website Click here or please contact Martin or Ruth.
Weddings
The minimum cost for a Church wedding in 2020 is £505. This covers the Statutory fee for a basic Church of England wedding service, your wedding certificate, and for your banns to be read in Church which is a legal requirement. There are additional charges if you like an organist, the support of a verger, singing group, bells, or heating when required. When you book your wedding we ask for an £85 deposit, which covers the cost of booking an organist. If you have been previously married, we will be happy to discuss with you whether a church wedding is possible. If you wish to get married at St Catherine’s, you need to have a qualifying connection. Such as…
Live in the parish
It is the parish where they were baptised and/or confirmed
A parish which they have lived in for 6 months or more, at any time during their lives
A parish they have attended worship in for at least 6 months
The parish their parents lived or worshipped in (during the child’s lifetime)
The parish their parents or grandparents were married in
If you would like to come and have a chat about getting married at St Catherine’s please contact Rev Martin – 01603 426767 or Rev Ruth 01603 410565. Email:
You may also find it helpfull to have a look at the, Your Church wedding website Click here
Funerals
When somebody close to you has died, not only do you need to cope with the pain of losing them, but you also need to make arrangements for the funeral. The clergy at St Catherine’s and the local funeral directors will do all we can to make this happen as smoothly as we can for you.
You will need to contact a funeral director, who will be able to guide you through the organising of the funeral. It is important that you ask the funeral director any questions you might have, and share any thoughts. The funeral director is there to help you.
Please contact either Martin or Ruth or ask the funeral director to do so. We will liaise with the funeral director to make sure that you are fully supported, and plan a service that meets your needs, and the wishes of your loved one. If you would like to talk to a minister please telephone or email, Martin at mjehartley@gmail.com Tel: 01603 426767 or Ruth on 01603 410565 and we will be happy to assist in any way we can.
Blessings
Martin