Weddings, Baptism, Confirmation and Funerals
Wakefield Cathedral is part of the Church of England and a Mother Church of the Diocese of Leeds. Its practice is governed by Canon Law which is part of the Law of England
General information about Baptisms Weddings and Funerals in the Church of England can be found here https://www.churchofengland.org/weddings-baptisms-...
Baptism & Confirmation
The Cathedral offers Baptism / Christenings for those living in the Parish and for those who feel they have a connection with the Cathedral or Chantry Chapel. The Baptism normally takes place within a service either at the Cathedral or at the Chantry Chapel, but in special circumstances can take place outside normal worship times. The best way to book a Baptism is to come along to our Sunday service and ask to speak to Canon Tony, the Canon Pastor, or to Lynne Macpherson who organises Christenings. More information here https://churchofenglandchristenings.org. If you live outside Wakefield you might like first to contact Canon Tony by email tony.macpherson@wakefield-cathedral.org.uk
In addition to the usual Baptism preparation we also hold twice weekly intensive courses for those with Christian experience in other countries. Although aimed at Christians seeking safety because of their Christian faith they are also open to everyone who want to know more about faith. Normally on Mondays at 11am and Wednesdays at 11.15am. Please check with Canon Tony on 07780990354
Baptism at Wakefield Cathedral for Adults
Wakefield Cathedral is part of the Church of England and a Mother Church of the Diocese of Leeds. Its practice is governed by Canon Law which is part of the Law of England
All those who profess Faith in the Father Son and Holy Spirit and desire to follow Jesus Christ as his disciple may be baptised as required by the Canons.
Every Adult who desires to be baptised will be required to attend a preparation of six sessions each lasting about an hour. Wakefield Cathedral sees this ministry as an important part of Mission and time and resources are applied to this work.
The sessions cover
The Life of Jesus
The teachings of Jesus - what Jesus asks of us
Forgiveness and New life
The Trinity- Father Son and Holy Spirit
Prayer and Worship
Living as a Christian
There are also plenty of opportunities for questions and answers.
One of the key Biblical texts is found in Acts Chapter 8 - the story of Phillip and the Ethiopian Eunuch - in this account the pattern or preparation and Baptism is set out. You can find it below
Baptism is a very important part part of the Christian Journey
The journey is something like this
Hearing about Jesus
Learning More and making a commitment to a new life as a Disciple
Baptism
Living a Christian life of Prayer, Warship, Study Fellowship and Evangelism
Confirmation by a Bishop after further Study and experience - we generally have confirmation once or twice a Year
Living a christian life of Prayer, Warship, Study Fellowship and Evangelism
As you will see Baptism and Confirmation are Stages in the Christian journey and the fruits of Baptism are shown in living a Christian life as a Disciple of Jesus.
Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch
26 Then an angel of the Lord said to Philip, “Get up and go toward the south[a] to the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” (This is a wilderness road.) 27 So he got up and went. Now there was an Ethiopian eunuch, a court official of the Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, in charge of her entire treasury. He had come to Jerusalem to worship 28 and was returning home; seated in his chariot, he was reading the prophet Isaiah. 29 Then the Spirit said to Philip, “Go over to this chariot and join it.” 30 So Philip ran up to it and heard him reading the prophet Isaiah. He asked, “Do you understand what you are reading?” 31 He replied, “How can I, unless someone guides me?” And he invited Philip to get in and sit beside him. 32 Now the passage of the scripture that he was reading was this:
“Like a sheep he was led to the slaughter,
and like a lamb silent before its shearer,
so he does not open his mouth.
33 In his humiliation justice was denied him.
Who can describe his generation?
For his life is taken away from the earth.”
34 The eunuch asked Philip, “About whom, may I ask you, does the prophet say this, about himself or about someone else?” 35 Then Philip began to speak, and starting with this scripture, he proclaimed to him the good news about Jesus. 36 As they were going along the road, they came to some water; and the eunuch said, “Look, here is water! What is to prevent me from being baptized?” 38 He commanded the chariot to stop, and both of them, Philip and the eunuch, went down into the water, and Philip baptised him.
Weddings
Wedding are offered for parishioners, members of the congregation and for those with a qualifying connection to the Cathedral or Chantry. The qualification for a Marriage at the Cathedral is set out in canon Law
Please contact Canon Tony to discuss your eligibility in the first instance. You can find more information about a wedding in the Church of England here https://www.yourchurchwedding.org and a link to the words of the service here https://churchofengland.org/prayer-worship/worship...
Funerals
The cathedral offers funerals for parishioners, members of the congregation, and for others with a connection to the Cathedral or Chantry. We also provide larger funerals in special circumstances often in conjunction with parish clergy, again the first point of contact is Canon Tony. See more information here https://churchofenglandfunerals.org
Contact details at the Cathedral
Canon Tony Macpherson Sub-Dean and Canon Pastor - email tony.macpherson@wakefield-cathedral.org.uk Tel 01924 373923 or send a text to 07780990354