WEDDINGS: ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW

What is marriage?

Marriage is the solemnization (official recognition) of a loving relationship, and a sign that this relationship is blessed by God.

What happens at a wedding?

The details of any service will differ from church to church - and even between services in the same church - but the couple will always declare that they are eligible to marry each other, and will promise to love and stay faithful to each other for the rest of their lives. They are blessed by the priest and the marriage is formally completed with the words “Those whom God has joined together let no one put asunder”.

Practical details of arranging the service are noted below

Why bother with marriage?

The Church teaches that marriage is the right environment for a loving relationship, and the upbringing of children. It allows the couple to make a public statement of their commitment to each other, and is a potent symbol of their bodily union.

Whom do we contact to arrange the wedding?

The Rector, Fr Robert Hart, is responsible for organizing the service. Click here, for details of how to contact him.

Who can be married at S Helen's?

You will have to be living within the parish or be on the electoral roll of S Helen’s. If you are not sure whether you live within the parish boundary Fr Robert can advise you on this matter. If you are related to one another, please ask for advice.

What next?

You will have an initial meeting with Fr Robert to discuss the date and time of the marriage, and a further meeting will be arranged to talk about marriage and all that it entails.

The service itself:

You will normally need to choose three hymns and/or songs, and the organist or one of the clergy will be happy to help you in your choice. Their advice can also be sought about any music at the beginning and the end of the service.

The service will normally last between 25 and 35 minutes. It is politely asked that the bride be no more than 5 minutes late to the church.

Photography and video recordings are allowed on the understanding that during the marriage service it is to be unobtrusive. The photographer and the person taking the video will need to speak to Fr Robert before the service begins to discuss what is possible.

After the service:

The church will be open after the service if you would like to take any photographs in the church itself. Please do not use confetti inside the church grounds unless it is biodegradable.

What about the rehearsal?

This should be arranged with Fr Robert, and will normally be on the Wednesday or Thursday before the marriage. Please bring your best man and other principal guests, so you can all familiarise yourselves with the service.

What if a partner has been married before?

We are unable to carry out a full marriage service for those who have been married before and whose spouse is still alive. However it may be possible to have a service of prayer and dedication after a civil marriage has taken place. Contact Fr Robert to discuss this further.

What do we do if we have to cancel the wedding?

Please inform Fr Robert as soon as possible. We can’t accept notification from anyone but one of the partners. You will not be liable for any fees unless the Banns have already been published (in which case the statutory fees for the Banns and their certificate must be paid).

If you have any query that is not covered here, or you would like clarification of anything, then please contact Fr Robert. 

More information about marriage is published by the Church of England.  

These notes were based on some similar notes found at www.xpeastbourne.org

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Baptism: All you need to know

What is baptism?

Baptism is the way we join the Christian family (the Church) and are made Christians.  This is why it is also called Christening.

What happens at baptism?

There are two aspects to baptism:

à the outward sign performed by the minister

à the inward gift given by God.

The outward sign

à Everyone is baptised by having water poured over them.

à Everyone is baptised with the words:

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

The inward gift

God’s gift is his Holy Spirit. This is too wonderful for us to explain in any one way, so we use many different pictures to help us see what God is doing for us in baptism: he forgives our sin, we are born again, he makes us his children, we inherit his kingdom.

Why bother with baptism?

We baptise people because it is the way God has chosen for men, women and children to join the Christian family and begin the Christian life. Jesus commanded it, Saint Peter and the apostles obeyed, and the Church has continued to do so ever since.

Whom do I contact to arrange the baptism?

The Rector, Father Robert, is responsible for organizing the service. Click here, for details of how to contact him.

Who can be baptised at S Helen’s?

Anyone can be baptised who is living in the parish of S Helen’s or who has strong links with the church, for example a regular attender of services at S Helen’s. If you're not sure if you live in the parish it is best to email or phone the Rector.

What is the cost of the baptism ceremony?

The service of baptism is free, but if you would like to make a donation to the church it would be kindly received.

What about the godparents?

The godparents must be baptised, and preferably confirmed, before they can carry out their duties.

Other points of information

Families are most welcome here at S Helen’s.

We ask those in the baptism party who are not regular churchgoers to be respectful of the service in progress and the worshippers around them.

You are more than welcome to join us for coffee in the parish room after the service so we can welcome you to the Church.

More information about baptism is published by the Church of England.  

These notes were based on some similar notes found at www.xpeastbourne.org

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FUNERALS

Please do not hesitate to contact Fr Robert to minister to a dying person
at any hour of the day or night.

The Funeral Director will usually make all the arrangements for a Funeral with Fr Robert. 

More information about Funerals is published by the Church of England.