Journeys and Sacraments
Baptism
Baptism (also sometimes called Christening) is the sacrament through which people become Christians, and are united to Christ in his death and resurrection. Jesus told his followers to baptise others as a sign that they had turned away from their old life, and begun a new life as his disciples. In Baptism, we turn to the light of God, our sins and failings are washed clean away and we are able to begin a new life by the work of the Holy Spirit. Baptism is a commitment to the beginning of a lifelong journey of faith within the family of the Church.
Baptisms usually take place as part of the 10am Sunday service, though private baptisms are possible by arrangement. The child or adult is sprinkled with holy water from the font and they are welcomed into the Christian faith. Last year we had a first adult baptism in the sea which was amazing but if you don’t fancy this, the church font is always an option! Baptism is free and openly offered to everyone.
To find out more about Baptism and the Christian journey of faith, you can find more information on the following links:
If you are enquiring about the Christian faith yourself, or for your child, the parish priest will be delighted to hear from you.
Confirmation
If you were baptised at a christening when you were a child, your parents and godparents made promises of faith on your behalf. As a young person or adult, you can affirm these promises for yourself and commit your life to following Jesus Christ at a Confirmation service. Adults coming to faith and who have never been baptised can also be Confirmed and this generally follows Baptism as part of the Confirmation service.
Adults who are enquiring about the Christian faith are warmly encouraged to speak with the parish priest, who will be delighted to discuss the best way to prepare for Baptism, Admission to Holy Communion or Confirmation.
Weddings
St Wulfran’s is a beautiful place of deep spirituality and there is no better way to start your marriage than with God’s blessing. Christians believe that God has made people for relationships of joy with each other; and that he wishes to share his love with those who make a life commitment together.
Marriage is one of the sacraments of the Church, because it makes visible the love of God between a couple who have made such a commitment. A Christian marriage service is a public declaration of love and commitment between a man and a woman, made in the presence of God.
You can get married at St Wulfran’s if you live in the village, worship with us or have another qualifying connection. Please get in touch with the Parish Priest and he can advise further. If you have been divorced we are pleased to say that you should also be able to be married at St Wulfran’s.
The Church of England provides a very helpful website which explains these matters, and many other aspects of planning a wedding in church, HERE.
Blessing after a Civil Marriage
Many couples who have had a civil wedding decide they would like to dedicate their marriage to God in church soon afterwards. A husband and wife can have their marriage blessed in church, whether they got married in the UK or abroad.
With regard to same sex couples, we are awaiting guidance from the Church of England on services of blessing. Please contact the Parish Priest if you would like to know more.
Renewal of Vows
It’s possible to renew your wedding vows any time after your wedding day, regardless of whether you had a church wedding or not. It’s a bit like a marriage refresher and is often used on special anniversaries but also after a period of difficulty including sickness.
Funerals and Burials
Christians believe in resurrection: that is, in God’s power to raise the dead to eternal life with him. Belief in the resurrection gives us hope even in the darkest times of grief, pain and sorrow. Even those who share such faith find there is a real sense of loss at the time of the death of a loved one. We will each have had our own experiences of their life and death, with different memories and different feelings of love, grief and respect. A Christian funeral service will acknowledge this and be an occasion for those present to express their faith and feelings as we say farewell, and to acknowledge the feelings of loss and sorrow as we commend the departed into the hands of God.
“It seems to me, that if we love, we grieve. That’s the deal. That’s the pact. Grief and love are forever intertwined. Grief is the terrible reminder of the depths of our love and, like love, grief is non-negotiable.”
Nick cave
Funerals
When a death occurs it almost always takes us by surprise and it is never an easy time. You are always welcome to talk to us around the time of the death of a loved one. When it comes to the practicalities, to arrange a funeral in the first instance you should contact a funeral director who will advise you of the process and then liaise with the Church to find a time for the service which is suitable for all concerned. We are here for everyone in the village.
Burials
We have a beautiful, peaceful and spiritual churchyard where residents from the village, worshippers at St Wulfran’s and people with other qualifying connections can be laid to rest (burials and interment of ashes). Please get in touch with one of the Churchwardens or the Parish Priest if you would like to discuss a burial at the churchyard.
Other ministries
Reconciliation or Confession
The Sacrament of Reconciliation (also called Confession or Penance) is one of the sacraments of the Church. It is available to anyone who may be troubled in conscience, and who needs the assurance of God’s mercy, love and forgiveness. It requires honest self-examination, and penitence – the desire to turn to God and start afresh. Confession involves having a conversation with a priest which is confidential, safe and supportive.
The Sacrament of Reconciliation is never ‘obligatory’ for members of the Church of England; it is offered as one means, among others, through which Christians may experience the forgiveness, love and grace of God.
The parish priest is happy to hear confessions after the Sunday Eucharist, or at other times by appointment.
House blessings
A house blessing is a way of blessing and protecting our homes and dedicating them to God and His purposes. If you would like a house blessing please contact the Parish Priest.
Care for the sick and dying
The Sacrament of Healing (also called Anointing or Unction) is one of the sacraments of the Church, which conveys the healing love of Christ to those who receive it. It is available to anyone who is seeking healing, comfort, strength and wholeness. It involves prayer with the laying on of hands, usually on the head; and anointing with olive oil consecrated by the Bishop, usually on the forehead and palms.
If you need healing, the Parish Priest or someone from the healing team is always available to provide healing ministry. We can also bring you Holy Communion if you are housebound. For those who are dying, the ministry of the last rites is available, please the Parish Priest for more details.
Vocation
Vocation means what you are called by God to be and do. For some, this is a specific calling to ministry. For others, it could mean serving God through faithful discipleship in everyday life. Everyone has a vocation.
For further information please see this information from the dioscan website or contact the Parish Priest.