We have many baptisms at St Paul’s and we take a lot of care in making them special for the children and families concerned. Each baptism is a celebration of the joy that our children give us, the recognition that they are part of God’s family with us and the profound experience of gratitude to God for their presence in our lives.

Baptisms take place in the Sunday morning service, usually once a month. If you are interested in baptism for you or your child, then please contact the Vicar. Those wishing to be baptised at St. Paul’s should either live in the parish or be regular members of the congregation. You will be invited to meet with the Vicar to discuss your faith and commitment to the Christian faith before baptism is arranged.

Confirmation and Admission to Communion

Children who regularly attend church when they reach the age of 7 can attend a course of instruction on Holy Communion. There will then be a special service on a Sunday morning for them to receive their first Communion.

The Confirmation service gives the opportunity for adults and young people to become full members of the Church of England. Strictly speaking it is called Confirmation because in the service each candidate “confirms” for him/herself the promises that were made on their behalf at their baptism (though sometimes baptism forms part of the Confirmation service as well). In the service each candidate declares their faith and vows to turn from evil and follow Christ.

Each year there is a Confirmation service in one of the churches in the Deanery. St. Paul’s prepares adults and children from the age of 11 for confirmation. Please speak to the Vicar if you are interested in confirmation.

Weddings

At St. Paul’s we recognise the importance to couples of their wedding day and we aim to help them make it a memorable and joyful experience. In preparation for their marriage, couples are invited to meet with the vicar to discuss their choices of flowers and hymns, readings and prayers and also to think through some of the issues concerning marriage from a spiritual perspective.

The Vicar will aim to help each couple create a service that reflects their own character and personality. This will involve a choice of music, readings and  flowers. 

If you live in St. Paul’s parish and would like to be married in the church, please contact the Vicar or the Parish Office.

Funerals

If your relative or friend has lived in the parish or had any connection with the church in past years, and you would like their funeral service to take place in St. Paul’s church please telephone the Vicar or ask the funeral director to contact her direct.

Pastoral Care

If you have a spiritual or pastoral issue that you would like to discuss with the Vicar she will be happy to speak with you and pray with you.