Parish Church of
St Mary Whitkirk, Leeds


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updated 25th June 2008

Arranging Baptisms & Weddings


The Church of England's ministry is rooted in the local communities that each church serves.  These areas are called parishes.

We are only able to baptise and marry those who live in these areas.  

Baptisms

church porchBaptisms (Christenings) are usually conducted on the 4th Sunday of the month in a separate service at 12noon.

We welcome all from this parish for baptism, including those who regularly attend worship here but live in another parish in the wider area.  Those outside the parish and without a direct current link with the church should approach their local church for baptism there.

Because baptism indicates a desire to bring children up in the Christian faith, it is important that there is a connection with the church community where that faith is formed and nurtured.  This is because baptism is not supposed to be a one off event, but part of a journey of faith in which worshipping in the church will be an important ingredient now and in the future.

If you don't already come to church, now would be a good time to start.  We aim to make parents and children welcome and provide for their needs.
  • there is a space near the door where infants can be taken if needed;
  • a Sunday School for older children;
  • on 2nd and 4th Sundays of the month the sermon is pitched for children being present.
  • on 2nd Tuesday each month there is a Play and Praise service - songs, stories and prayer for babies and children up to school age with their carers - 2pm until 2.45pm.

We invite those enquiring about baptism to come to an evening when we explain what is involved.

The arrangements can be made on Sunday mornings at the 10.00am service.  At this you will be able to arrange the date for the evening and also the service itself so that you can make any other plans that you have.

Adults asking about baptism may feel they want to explore Confirmation at the same time.  This is where we affirm for ourselves the things that were said on our behalf at baptism as a child.  Some may not feel ready for this and prefer to pursue baptism on its own at this stage.  One of the clergy will be happy to talk this through with you.

wedding


Weddings

The criteria for who can marry in the church are set by English law.  From 1st October 2008 these are being expanded.  One of the couple should satisfy one of these conditions:
  • Live in the parish
  • Regularly attend worship in the church or have done so for at least 6 months in the past
  • Have been baptised in the church or been prepared for confirmation here
  • At any time resided in the parish for at least 6 months
or
  • A parent has resided in the parish for at least 6 months at any time (or still does)
  • A parent regularly attends worship in the church or has done so for at least 6 months in the past
  • A parent or grandparent was themselves married in the church
Where one of the couple has been divorced, please click here to read the notes on marriage in church after divorce.

To make arrangements for weddings, marriage blessings, renewals of vows etc, please contact the vicar.