Baptism - Becoming Christian
Baptism (also sometimes called Christening) is the sacrament through which people become Christians, and are united to Christ in his death and resurrection. Jesus told his followers to baptise others as a sign that they had turned away from their old life, and begun a new life as his disciples. In Baptism, God washes away sin and begins to renew us by the work of the Holy Spirit –so that we become like his own Son, Jesus Christ.
Sacrament of Reconciliation
The Sacrament of Reconciliation (also called Confession or Penance) is one of the seven sacraments of the Church. It is available to anyone who may be troubled in conscience, and who needs the assurance of God’s mercy, love and forgiveness. It requires honest self-examination, and penitence – the desire to turn to God and start afresh.
Marriage
Christians believe that God has made people for relationships of joy with each other; and that he wishes to share his love with those who make a life commitment together.
The parish priest is always happy to hear from couples who are enquiring about marriage in church.
Same sex partnerships
If you are a same-sex couple with a connection to St Nicholas', and you would like to celebrate your relationship with prayer at a service in church, please get in touch with the parish priest, who will be pleased to hear from you.
Healing and End of Life care
The Sacrament of Healing (also called Anointing or Unction) is one of the seven sacraments of the Church, which conveys the healing love of Christ to those who receive it. It is available to anyone who is seeking healing, comfort, strength and wholeness. It involves prayer with the laying on of hands, usually on the head; and anointing with olive oil consecrated by the Bishop, usually on the forehead and palms. This gentle ministry of prayer is offered by the clergy and healing prayer team at the 10.30am Eucharist on the first Wednesday and second Sunday of every month. The parish priest and members of the healing prayer team are always happy to visit the sick, or those who may be approaching the end of life, with Holy Communion and Anointing.
Please contact the parish priest, who will be happy to discuss this further with you.
Funerals
Christians believe in resurrection: that is, in God’s power to raise the dead to eternal life with him. We believe this because of our faith in Jesus’ resurrection from the grave, as witnessed by his disciples. Belief in the resurrection gives us hope even in the darkest times of grief, pain and sorrow.
Remembering the Dead
Christians have prayed from the dead from the earliest days of the Church. We do this not because we believe that our prayers will free the dead from punishment, but because of our faith in the communion of saints. Although we see the departed no longer, we believe that we remain connected to them within ‘the mystical body of Christ’, which includes the living and the dead.