Sacraments
Weddings at St Mary’s and St Peter’s
We are delighted to welcome couples who are preparing for marriage. A wedding is a joyful celebration of love and commitment, and it is our privilege to share in this special moment of your life. Both St Mary’s, Dalton-in-Furness, and St Peter’s, Ireleth provide beautiful settings in which to make your vows before God, family, and friends.
Choosing to be married in church is more than finding a picturesque venue. It is about beginning your married life within the love and blessing of God, surrounded by prayer and the support of a worshipping community. In church, your promises are made not only to one another but also before God, who is faithful and whose love sustains all our relationships.
We welcome all who would like to be married in our parish. Whether you are already connected with our churches, returning home to celebrate in a familiar place, or simply drawn here by the beauty and peace of the surroundings, we would be glad to walk with you as you prepare for your day.
Our clergy and wedding team will help you with every step: planning the service, choosing readings and music, and making sure everything runs smoothly. Most importantly, we will pray with you and for you, as you begin your journey together in marriage.
If you would like to find out more about getting married in one of our churches, please get in touch—we would love to hear from you.
Baptism at St Mary’s and St Peter’s
We are always delighted to welcome children, young people, and adults into the family of the Church through baptism. Baptism—sometimes called christening—is a joyful occasion when we celebrate new life, give thanks for God’s love, and begin a journey of faith together.
In baptism, water is poured as a sign of being washed and made new in Christ. Promises are made, prayers are offered, and the person being baptised is welcomed into the worldwide Christian family. It is a simple but profound act that has been at the heart of Christian life for over two thousand years.
Baptism is not only about the individual but also about community. When you or your child are baptised at St Mary’s, Dalton-in-Furness, or St Peter’s, Ireleth, you are welcomed into our parish family. We promise to support you, pray for you, and walk with you as you grow in faith.
Whether you are bringing a baby or child to be baptised, seeking baptism for yourself, or exploring what it means to take this step, we would love to hear from you. Our clergy and baptism team are here to help you prepare for the service and to make your day personal, meaningful, and full of joy.
If you are thinking about baptism, please get in touch—we would be glad to talk with you, answer your questions, and help you take this important step in your journey of faith.
How do we begin?
Come Along
Attend Sunday or mid-week Mass for a few weeks—get to know us!
Connect
Meet the church family, spend time in prayer, and speak with the priest about next steps.
Reflect
Choose up to 4 godparents—baptised Christians to help guide your child’s journey. Or if an adult someone to be your sponsor.
Prepare
When ready, we’ll set a date during one of our special Sunday services.
Funerals at St Mary’s and St Peter’s
The death of someone we love is a deeply difficult time, and as a parish we are here to support you with care, prayer, and compassion. A church funeral offers space to grieve, to give thanks for a life lived, and to commend your loved one into God’s eternal love and care.
Both St Mary’s, Dalton-in-Furness, and St Peter’s, Ireleth are places where generations have gathered to say farewell to family and friends. In the beauty and stillness of these churches, we can bring our sorrow and our memories before God, trusting in the hope of the resurrection.
Our clergy will walk with you through the whole process—helping you to plan the service, choose readings, hymns, and prayers, and making sure the funeral reflects the life of your loved one with dignity and love. We are also here for you after the day itself, offering pastoral support and remembering your loved one in prayer.
A church funeral is for anyone—whether or not you or your loved one were regular worshippers. We welcome all who wish to mark this important moment in the presence of God, with the comfort of faith and the support of the church community.
If you are arranging a funeral, please speak to your chosen funeral director, who will contact us on your behalf. You are also welcome to get in touch directly if you would like to talk about what we can offer.
In times of loss, our message is simple: you are not alone.
If you are thinking about baptism, please get in touch—we would be glad to talk with you, answer your questions, and help you take this important step in your journey of faith.
Confirmation at St Mary’s and St Peter’s
Confirmation is a special service in which Christians make a personal commitment of faith and receive prayer for the strengthening of the Holy Spirit. For many who were baptised as children, it is an important step of “owning” the promises made on their behalf and saying for themselves that they want to follow Christ.
In confirmation, the bishop lays hands on each candidate and prays that God’s Spirit will fill them with faith, courage, and joy for their journey ahead. It is both a solemn and a joyful occasion—an affirmation that God is with us in every stage of life.
Whether you are a young person preparing to take this step, or an adult who has come to faith later in life, confirmation is open to all who feel called to deepen their commitment. Our parish offers preparation sessions to help candidates explore what it means to live as a Christian today, ask questions, and grow in understanding of the faith.
Confirmation is also a celebration for the whole church family. As candidates are confirmed, the parish gathers to support them in prayer and to rejoice together in God’s work among us.
If you are interested in being confirmed—or simply want to find out more—we would love to hear from you. Our clergy are here to talk with you, answer questions, and guide you in taking this step.
“Be sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit.”
