How Can We Help?
Support through the Christian Life
Christianity is a lifelong journey and commitment, and some of its stages are marked by special services including baptism, confirmation, Holy Communion, marriage, blessings, and funerals. In most cases initial enquiries can be made through the Parish Office
Baptism
Baptism marks the beginning of a journey with God which continues for the rest of our lives, the first step in response to God’s love.
We are always happy to baptise (christen) children who live in the parish. Baptisms may take place either during the 9:45 Sung Eucharist or more usually at the 11:30 ‘Grassroots’ service. We like to meet with the parents (and, if possible, godparents) before the baptism to discuss the Christian upbringing of children, and the meaning of the baptism service. Children are baptised on the basis of their parents' commitment to live as Christians, and on the understanding that parents and children will come regularly to Church.
For all involved, particularly the candidates but also parents, godparents and sponsors, it is a joyful moment when we rejoice in what God has done for us in Christ, making serious promises and declaring the faith. The wider community of the local church and friends welcome their new member, promising support and prayer for the future.
Please contact the Parish Office if you would like to enquire about baptism – pop in during the office opening hours or get in touch by telephone or email. Older baptism candidates are also very welcome, and we make special arrangements for their preparation.
Confirmation Preparation
We are always pleased to prepare people for confirmation. If you feel that the time has come to make your permanent commitment to live the Christian life, then please contact us.
Marriage
Any couple where either or both are living in the parish (neither being divorced) are welcome to marry in the Parish Church. Please contact the Parish Office to enquire about dates and arrangements, or if you are unsure about residence qualification.
There may also be some cases in which second marriages may be solemnised after suitable preparation – please contact in the first instance.
We now have a booklet available as a pdf document, "Your Wedding at St Mary the Virgin Godmanchester", which gives a lot of the information you will need for planning a wedding at the church. Please click HERE to view it.
House Blessings
Moving into a new house is a big event in family life. If you would like a house blessing please contact us.
Home Communion
There is a regular Eucharist at Oak Tree Court (on the 3rd Thursday of every month at 10.30 am), at Woodley Court (on the 3rd Wednesday of each month at 11am) and at McCartney House (on the 4th Wednesday of every month at 9.45am), and members of the Ministry Team also visit those who wish to receive communion at home and are not able to come to Church. If you are in this position, or if you know of a member of the Church who is, please contact us.
Funerals
The Clergy are always willing to conduct funerals for members of the congregation and for people who were living in the parish. The arrangements are usually made through one of the local undertakers.
Funerals may take place in the Church (followed by burial at the Cemetery or by cremation) or wholly at the Crematorium (which may be followed by the interment of ashes in the Churchyard or Cemetery).
We are very happy to discuss funeral arrangements well in advance of the event. We are always available to pray with the sick and the dying, and ask families to remember the peace that this can bring. Please contact us if you or a member of your family would like to receive a visit from one of the clergy.
People mentioned above can be contacted through our "Meet the Team" page, or by contacting the Parish Office .
We believe that the Parish Church of Saint Mary the Virgin, Godmanchester, exists to build up the individual and corporate spiritual life of our Church and to spread the love of Christ through word and deed, by enabling those who live and work within our town to come into contact with God’s love and come to faith in Christ.