Since the 12th Century families have come to St Mary’s to mark the end of a journey through life for their loved ones. There is comfort to be had in being in a place that has been prayed in for so long. The familiar words of faith and the knowledge that at such a difficult time a Christian minister is there to support families does give hope and strength.

If you need to arrange a funeral at St Mary’s this is done by asking your Funeral Director to contact the Rector. A date and time that suits the family, the Funeral Director and the Church is agreed. When that is done the member of the ministry team who will officiate at the service will arrange to see the family. At that meeting decisions will be made concerning the service – the hymns; the readings; and the tributes to the deceased.

As Christians we believe that death is the threshold to a new life with God. Jesus died and rose again from the dead and this gives us confidence that, however sad we may be or however tragic the circumstances, in our grief we will find a way forward.

If you need to speak to the Rector, please do not hesitate to contact him: the whole Church is there to support you in its love and prayers.