St. Mark's Church

Holy Baptism

What is Baptism?

Baptism – also known as “Christening” – is when a person publicly acknowledges his or her faith in Jesus Christ and is the beginning of their membership of the Christian Church. When children who are not old enough to answer for themselves are baptised, their parents and Godparents answer for them (see below).

Who can be baptised?

St. Mark’s has an open baptism policy and we are happy to baptise any adult who lives in the parish and who expresses a desire to follow Christ.

Adult baptism always takes place after a period of preparation, which is usually held together with those who are preparing for Confirmation. Those who are being baptised are also encouraged to take this further step of Confirmation.

We similarly will baptise any child whose family lives in the parish, although we do encourage parents first to come and find out if St. Mark’s is the sort of church they would like to belong to.

Support for children by Parents and Godparents

Children are always supported at baptism by their parent(s) and/or guardian(s) and usually by godparents. These adults are asked publicly to acknowledge their own faith, to bring up the child(ren) within the family of the Church and encourage them to consider confirmation when they are older and can make their own Christian commitment.

Preparation for a Child’s Baptism

We provide preparation for baptism for the child’s family so that they are aware of the significance of what is being done for their child, and can be offered the help and support of the local church as they seek to carry out the promises made in the service.

And next?

Please contact the Church Office or Parish Administrator in the Parish Office (which is based at St. Mary’s Church). Tel 0208 879 4950. if you want to find out more about baptism at St. Mark’s – either as an adult, or for your child.

Baptism preparation is normally held in your home at a convenient time for you.

Holy Matrimony – Weddings

A marriage service, wherever it takes place, is a public declaration of love and commitment to your partner.

If you choose to get married in church, there is an added dimension – the assurance that God cares about your relationship and that God’s resources and strengths are available to help you.

Can we be married in this parish church?

Any person who lives in the Parish of Wimbledon may get married in any of the churches of the team (you can find out which Church of England parish you live by visiting www.achurchnearyou.com ). The churches of our parish are: St. Mark’s, St. Mary’s, St. John’s and St. Matthew’s.

If you do not live in the Parish of Wimbledon then you need to be a regular worshipper in one of those churches and to go onto the electoral roll.

If you have a strong family connection with one of our churches then by agreement with the Vicar you may be able to get married in a church in the Parish of Wimbledon.

How to book a wedding?

The best way is to speak to the Parish Administrator in the Parish Office (which is based at St. Mary’s Church). Tel 0208 879 4950. You should speak to us before booking anything for certain as our churches can be booked up well in advance and it may not be possible to accommodate you.

What would happen next?

We take the preparation of couples getting married very seriously. The priest that will marry you will meet with you several times prior to your wedding to help to prepare for this very significant step in your life. These meetings will be fixed directly with the relevant priest.

Funerals

If you want to book the church or the Vicar, for a funeral please call the Parish Office, Tel 0208 879 4950 .