It’s your church
Apuldram is blessed with a beautiful church, yet there are many who are unaware that if they live in the community they actually have the right to use the church for either special services, or to come along to now and again. You do not have to be a regular attendee, or even attend services at all to consider the following:
Baptism. This is a special service during which we say ‘Yes’ to God, either for ourselves or on behalf of our children. Sometimes this service is called a ‘Christening’, and a person is never too old to think about it. Many years ago it was the norm for everyone to be baptised when they were young, but I have discovered that there are many people today who, for one reason or another were not, and think it is now too late. Be assured a person can be baptised at any age.
Weddings. The church still remains one of the best value for money venues for a wedding. If you live in Apuldram you have the right to get married in your community church. In fact there are several ways in which a couple can claim a connection to a parish church (details about this can be found on the Church of England website), and even those who have been divorced may be able to remarry in church. This all depends on the circumstances of the couple, but always worth asking about.
Funerals. One of the gifts that St Mary the Virgin, Apuldram has to offer the community is a place of peace and beauty in which our departed loved ones may be remembered. The Churchyard at St Mary the Virgin, Apuldram is open for burial and for the burial of cremated remains.
The following people have a right to be buried in the churchyard of St Mary the Virgin, Apuldram
- Residents of the parish
- Those whose names are on the church electoral roll
- Those who die in the parish
If you a resident of the parish, you do not need to be baptised, or a member of the Church of England to be buried at Apuldram.
The PCC and the incumbent recognise that the churchyard is a place of great tranquillity and wish to extend the right of burial to those who die in tragic circumstances, but who lived just outside of the parish, and particularly to those who die in childhood.
The PCC and the incumbent recognise that, towards the end of their lives, people may move away from a place that has been their home.
If you were a habitual worshipper at Apuldram for a number of years, but have subsequently moved away, please contact the priest-in-charge as it may be possible that you can still be buried at Apuldram.
If you have relatives buried in the churchyard, and you wish to be buried in the churchyard, please contact the priest-in-charge to explain your historic links with the parish.
The PCC and the incumbent may grant the right to be buried in the churchyard to others who can explain a substantial link with the church or village. Please contact the priest-in-charge in the first instance.
Quiet Time. Life can be so very busy and stressful for a lot of people. Did you know that Apuldram church is open every day from Easter until the end of October (and Fishbourne Church is open every single day of the year)? You are more than welcome to just pop in, enjoy the peace and quiet, and simply let go of the business of life for a short while. You do not have to ‘do’ anything, but lots of folk find a little time alone works wonders for their stress levels.
St. Mary’s at Apuldram, and St Peter and St. Mary’s at Fishbourne belong to you, so if you would like to find out more about any of the above, please contact Mother Jessica, our Priest in Charge. There are many options available for people, so please do not think that you have no choice.
So please remember, it is indeed your church, all are welcome, and if you would like to check us out, do see the notice boards for the times of Sunday services or visit www.apuldramchurch.co.uk
More information is available on our Baptism and Weddings pages.