Pastoral Services

Baptism (Christening) is available for anyone living within the parish of West Moors who is regularly attending or wanting to worship at the church. It is the formal way of becoming a member of the Church. Normally baptisms take place within our 10.00 am ‘Our Family Service’ on the first Sunday of each month.  For more information please enquire on any Sunday after the worship service.  Two or three baptised Godparents are required for children.

Service of Thanksgiving and Blessing is appropriate and popular after the birth of a child where the parents are not ready/able to make a regular commitment to the church. Please contact our Vicar - Revd. Andrew Rowland.

Confirmation Classes are for those wishing to explore the Christian faith in preparation for making a further and full adult commitment of faith in a Confirmation Service. Classes are led annually by our Vicar.  Candidates are Confirmed by a Bishop.

Marriages are by arrangement through the Parish Administrator. Normally one of the partners should live within, or have historic, or family ties to the parish, but in exceptional pastoral circumstances this condition may be waived. Those who have been married once previously and whose former partner is still alive may apply to be married at St Mary’s but this is at the discretion of the Priest as there are guidelines for eligibility.

Visiting the sick and housebound  The Clergy and specially trained Lay Pastoral Assistants of the parish regularly visit the sick at home or in care homes/hospital. Please keep us informed.

Funerals   are normally arranged through our local Funeral Directors.  We welcome funerals in the church, or our clergy will lead a service at Poole or Bournemouth Crematorium.  Funerals can also be conducted at the graveside, normally at our local Cemetery. Clergy can also be present at the burial of cremated remains.  We hold an annual Service of Remembrance at All Souls Tide (Sunday after 1st November) and invite the next of kin and family to join with us as we remember before God those that we love but see no more.

Holy Eucharist  Receiving the consecrated (blessed) bread and wine at our Communion services is open to all baptised members of any church. Normally if children wish to receive Communion they will need to be prepared for this by attending a course and being formally admitted. If you do not wish to receive communion, please come up with everyone else for a blessing, carrying a service booklet that will indicate to the priest that you would prefer a blessing instead.