Weddings, Baptisms and Funerals

BAPTISMS

For baptisms from outside the parishes of St Mary’s Henley and St Nicholas Remenham, permission must first, without exception, be obtained in writing from the candidate's own Vicar or Rector.  Baptisms are generally held at 1230 on Sundays after the main service but can be held in the Sunday service or at other times by arrangement with the Rector.  There are no fees for baptisms but you are invited to make a thank offering in the special gift aid envelope provided at the end of the service.

Godparents must have been baptised and, if possible, confirmed. They will be saying the same baptism promises on behalf of the children that they made for themselves at confirmation. Those who are not baptised but whom you wish to act in a godparent role, are called sponsors.  Sponsors are asked to care for the child and support him or her in their journey of faith though they have no role in the service. Godparents are asked to pray for their godchildren, give them a good example to follow and generally encourage them to play a full part in the Christian community. Godparents should be chosen with the needs of the child in mind not simply to satisfy the wishes and desires of the adults. A godparent is not a legal guardian. If that is what you want your godparents to be you will need to have a separate discussion with them about this.   

Please contact the Parish Office for further information rector.hwr@btinternet.com  or 01491 577340.

WEDDINGS

The Rector, Father Jeremy,  is always delighted to meet couples who wish to be married at St Nicholas, Remenham.  The best thing to do is simply to come to the service in church on Sunday mornings at 11.15am and introduce yourself in person.  If for any reason this is not practicable, you can email the Rector at rector.hwr@btinternet.com.  Father Jeremy will endeavour to guide you clearly and simply through the process.

FUNERALS

Funerals are a very important way of marking the close of a human life on earth. They are an opportunity for friends and family to express their grief, to gather up the threads of the life of the deceased, to give thanks for them and to commend them to God's keeping.

When someone close to you has just died, arranging a funeral may not feel the easiest thing to do. We are here to help. Whatever pattern of service you want, whether in church, crematorium or cemetery, we can help you put a service together. The words and actions all speak of a loving God and the preciousness to him of every human being. As Christians, we believe that death marks not the end of life, but a new beginning as we move from earthly life to a greater life with God. Please leave all the arrangements to the Funeral Directors as they contact everyone involved.

We are also happy to conduct memorial services for those who belong to the parish or have a pastoral or historic link with St Nicholas. Memorial services can normally be held on weekdays outside of normal service times. It is not possible to have a memorial service on a Sunday, and Saturdays are often booked with weddings. There is a separate scale of fees for memorial services and details can be obtained from the Parish Office.

It is sad, but a privilege, for us to conduct a funeral service for you.  Sometimes the person who has died leaves instructions about what they want at the funeral. If so, you will probably want to respect their wishes. However a funeral is also meant to help you, so respecting your needs in the service is important too. If you want to leave all the planning to the clergy, we will be very happy to do it, but you may like to think of some of the things set out below.

Address

Who would you like to speak about the deceased? The clergy are very experienced at this but there may be somebody else you would prefer to give the address.

Music

Is there any special music? If the funeral is taking place in church it needs to be suitable for playing on the organ.   Again, the Director of Music or the Clergy can help.

Hymns

Choose hymns that are well known and you think people will be able to sing.

Readings

Do you or did the deceased have a favourite bible reading or poem to be read? Is there a friend or family member you would like to ask to do the reading?   One reading must be from the Bible. Please contact the Rector for further information rector.hwr@btinternet.com  or 01491

577340.

For further details please click on the attachment below to download - thank you.