Frequently Asked Questions

What is Holy Baptism?
Holy Baptism (Christening) is the sacrament which welcomes a person into the fellowship of the Church, making them a member of God’s family and a part of the body of Christ.

Can I get baptised (christened) in St. Theodore's church?
Baptisms are conducted within the parish in which the one to be baptised lives, unless they attend worship in another parish. Baptisms may take place within the Parish Mass on Sundays or at other times (in emergencies - immediately). Either way, the one to be baptised is always welcomed into the Parish Family. Parents (or adults seeking baptism for themselves) should contact the Vicar. Information will then be sent that will answer more questions and introduce you to our DVD-based baptism preparation sessions. A separate information sheet is provided for godparents and an application form. Dates are only agreed once that application form is returned - so please do not book a reception venue before booking the baptism!! In any case, why not hold your reception on site in the Parish Hall with its licensed bar.

[Back to top]

What is Holy Matrimony?
Christian Marriage is the sacrament by which two people become one flesh and commit themselves to mutual love and care for their whole lives, under God’s blessing and guidance.

Can I get married in St. Theodore's church?
All Church in Wales weddings remain subject to various laws of the land as to who can and cannot be married where. Those living within the Parish who are single can marry here as do those registered on the Parish Electoral Roll who live outside of the parish but are regular members of the congregation. Please Contact the Vicar about your proposed wedding to see what is possible by law and the parish diary! For those who may be getting remarried following the death of their husband or wife there is no obstacle to a church wedding, depending on the usual legal requirements e.g. residence in the parish. Those who are divorcees living in the parish who wish to consider Christian marriage have no right to be re-married in the Church in Wales but are invited to Contact the Vicar to discuss their situation. Receptions can also be catered for in our halls (Parish Hall or Youth Hall).

Please note: In 2010 the Law relating to who can be married in which church in Wales was relaxed. Please see the Your Wedding at Saint Theodore's page for more details.

[Back to top]

Funerals
When someone we love dies we are beset with many powerful feelings. The funeral service seeks to minister to this delicate situation by committing the departed person into God’s hands, using the Church’s liturgy of either a funeral service or a requiem mass to express our own complex emotions in an atmosphere of faith, hope and love. Within appropriate limits the service can be tailored for the individual. The additional great advantage of a funeral in Church is that it is not restricted to a mere 20 minute service at the crematorium.

Please Contact the Vicar if you need practical or spiritual advice when bereaved or to arrange your own funeral - families find this incredibly helpful when the time comes.

Funeral receptions can also be catered for in our halls (Parish Hall or Youth Hall).

[Back to top]

Sacrament of Confession / Reconciliation
The Church in Wales celebrates this sacrament which is available to all. It can be especially valuable to confess to God in the presence of a priest for those who are troubled by a particular sin/s or who have failed to find peace through the general confession and absolution within a celebration of the Holy Eucharist. Here too can be an opportunity to ask the priest for informed counsel. He will provide this, may direct the penitent to make a suitable expression of their thankfulness to God and their intention not to sin again before then pronouncing absolution for the sin/s confessed.

[Back to top]