Life events
St Mary’s is here to support and celebrate with you at significant moments in life, and to reflect God’s care and commitment for each one of us whatever life may hold.
Below you can find out more about how to discuss arranging a baptism, wedding or funeral at St Mary’s. You can also find information about getting confirmed here at St Mary’s.
Baptisms & Christenings
Baptism marks the start of the journey of faith for new believers.
You don't need to pass a test to be baptised. You don't need to be a good person. You just need to want to live a life with God.
We are delighted to baptise children and adults. Baptisms take place in our 11am Sunday service.
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At St Mary's, we offer baptism services for children whose family worship in our church, and for children who live in our parish or attend St Mary’s school or pre-school. If you're not sure whether you live in our parish or not, check by going to the A Church Near You website.
We'll talk with you about preparing for baptism, about the service and about the promises that you'll make. We make promises too - to help you and your child grow in faith as they join in the life of the church community.
Find out more at the Church of England's Christenings website.
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We regularly baptise adults at St Mary's. We'll be really glad to help you prepare and to support you in this important step of trust and commitment.
Find out more
For more information on baptism please get in touch with the church office
Confirmation
Confirmation is about committing to life with Jesus.
Our next confirmation service is on Sunday 6 October 2024.
Confirmation preparation will take place after the 11am service on 1st, 8th and 15th September. Lunch will be provided. Candidates for confirmation must attend at least two of these sessions.
For more information on confirmation or to indicate that you would like to be confirmed contact Rev. Josh Richards on 020 7226 3400 or josh.richards@stmaryislington.org .
Weddings
A marriage service is a public declaration of love and lifelong commitment to your partner.
But a service in church brings an added dimension - the assurance that God cares about your relationship and that his resources and strength are available to help you. Including God in your marriage doesn't mean that you will avoid all the usual ups and downs, but you will know that you can look to God for help and guidance and that his love will sustain you. You will also have the support and encouragement of the Christian Church family.
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For more information about whether you could get married at St Mary’s please read our Guide to getting married at St Mary’s.
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St Mary’s is an incredible venue to get married in. Full of light and history at the heart of Upper Street and with a capacity of 300 you can invite all your friends and family to be part of your special day.
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All marriages at St Mary’s take place according to the Church of England’s guidelines, and we will work with you to personalise the service with readings, music and more.
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Banns of Marriage
We're glad to help couples who are marrying at another church who need their banns of marriage published at St Mary's. It's not essential to be in church when your banns are being published but most couples do. You'll hear the legal announcement and then we'll pray God's blessing on all your preparations.
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Banns are one of the legal preliminaries to marriage. You should first talk with the vicar of the parish in which you want to marry. They will let you know if banns are needed.
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Speak with the vicar of the parish in which you want to marry.
Check that you live in our parish by visiting the A Church Near You website.
Give us a call and we'll ask you to meet with us and fill in the necessary forms. Please note: There's a small charge for publishing and certifying banns.
Banns are usually published at the 11am Sunday service up to three months before your wedding date.
Funerals
Arranging a funeral
In the Church of England anyone can have a Christian church funeral, whether or not the person who has died or the person arranging the funeral considers themselves to be religious or if they are regular churchgoers. A Church of England minister will be pleased to conduct the funeral of anyone who has lived in the parish or who has a qualifying connection with St Mary’s.
If you are arranging a funeral or would like to find out more information please contact Imogen Erskine: 020 7226 3400 or imogen.erskine@stmaryislington.org