There are some really big moments in life which can be marked with a special ceremony; a child arrives in the family, a couple decide to get married, or when someone dies.
At these moments, people can have big emotions and big questions.
Right across the diocese, churches would love to welcome you and be a part of these special times with you and your family. Ministers, and many others who support them, have vast experience in welcoming families at some the happiest and also the most difficult times in their lives. Churches will always be there for you, for the day itself and for all the days afterwards too.
Contact your local vicar to find out more about organising a baptism, confirmation, wedding or funeral.
If you’re not sure which is your local church, try searching on www.achurchnearyou.com with your postcode to find it.
Use the headings below to choose a ceremony you’re interested in, and how to find out more.
Weddings
Marrying in church is personal, meaningful and spiritual just as you want it to be. Churches are special and unique places to get married in - the prayers, promises and the whole service of celebration become part of your marriage, on the day itself and beyond.
Baptisms
Anyone can get in touch with a church to find about having their child christened. During a christening your child will be baptized with water. It’s the start of an amazing journey of faith for your child and a special day for all your friends and family.
Adult Baptism
Whenever it happens, whether as a baby, child or adult, baptism is at the heart of an amazing journey of faith as a follower of Jesus Christ. You are never too old to take this step, and being baptized as an adult is a wonderful experience.
Confirmation
Congratulations on wanting to explore confirmation with the Church of England. Confirmation can be an important part of a lifetime journey of faith as a follower of Jesus Christ.
'Diocesan' confirmations take place in the Cathedral on Easter Eve, Pentecost Sunday, and at Christ the King – contact the Bishop’s Office for more details.
Funerals
We’ll always be here to help you through one of life’s most difficult times. A Church of England funeral is available to everyone, giving support before, during and after the service, for as long as it’s needed.
Gravestones and memorials
The Diocesan Chancellor issued a very helpful booklet, ‘Churchyard Memorials - A guide for the bereaved’, which contains full details of what a gravestone and monument might look like, what wording it might contain, and the process by which approval may be obtained. The booklet also contains the necessary application form.
The booklets are distributed via, and available from, all reputable stonemasons in Worcestershire and Dudley, who will assist with the choice of stone and the filling-in of the application form.