Occasional Offices

Baptisms, Marriages and Funerals

Baptisms

There are a growing number of Baptisms at all three churches.

The policy regarding Baptisms is very simple; we see this as a Ministry of Welcome, in which we can celebrate the birth of a baby, or the development of an older child, and say to that individual and that family “You belong here. This is your church”.

The Common Worship Rite is followed, with its splendid imagery of anointing, journey, washing, and commissioning. The whole family are involved in various actions throughout the service, which is as informal as the needs of small children necessitate, but as dignified and solemn as entry into the Christian Church demands.

Before the service each family will have been invited to a Baptism Coffee Morning in church, during which we look at the service, explain what will take place, and something of what journeying as a Christian means.

After the service, for 5 years, on the anniversary of Baptism, a Card is sent from the church, together with occasional invitations to various services and events.

Marriages

Once again this is a Ministry of Welcome and Affirmation which we can offer to couples taking a very significant step in their lives and making awesome promises.

Each couple will meet with the Officiant (usually the Vicar) at least three times before the service, as well as being in regular contact via phone or email. There is the chance to simply get to know one another a little better, and to ask why the couple want to get married - they are enabled to say how much they love each other. (Aaah!). Then there will be a careful reading through of the Service itself, and a discussion of what those words and promises might really mean to the couple. Finally there will be a rehearsal in the church, often on the evening before the service, so that the couple and their family can feel as relaxed as possible on the day itself. We do all in our power to help this family celebration be as wonderful and as Christ-filled as possible.

The Church of England has recently relaxed its rules about the remarriage of people who have been divorced; each case is assessed on its merits, and the Vicar will explain to those who have been married before what steps must be taken should they wish to remarry in church.

Funerals

The Vicar and the other Ordained ministers, as well as one of the Readers, take a considerable number of funerals each year. These may be in church, at Herne Bay Cemetery, or at one of the three Crematoria.

At St Mary’s there is an open churchyard for burials - although it is nearly full and we are looking towards closing it in the not too distant future.

There is a Garden of Remembrance for the burial of cremated remains at both St Mary’s and St Bart’s - popular and much loved places within the churchyards. Those who have close contact with the church, or who are resident within the Benefice at the time of death, are eligible to be buried here.

Every year, at the end of October or the very start of November, there are Bereavement Services during which the names of the loved ones are specially commemorated. All who have been bereaved during the past year will be individually invited to these events, but others are warmly welcomed too.

Each month there are three Bereavement Support Coffee Mornings on Saturdays throughout the Benefice. All those who have been bereaved are invited to attend one or more of these, once they feel ready. These are simply for support and friendship, and provide a welcoming venue where, should there be tears, there is no need for awkwardness, as everyone is in the same situation.

To arrange a Baptism or Marriage, or discuss Funeral arrangements,

please Contact Us

United Benefice of St. Mary the Virgin, Reculver &

St. Bartholomew, Herne Bay with Holy Cross, Hoath

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