Safeguarding
We are committed to the safeguarding, care and nurture of everyone in our church community. If you have any concern about the welfare of a child, young person or adult, please speak to our Parish Safeguarding Officer.
Our two churches are beautiful, welcoming places to celebrate a baptism or a wedding. Whether you’re part of our congregation already or you’ve never set foot inside a church before, you’re very welcome here.
Baptism (sometimes called a christening) is a joyful welcome into the family of the church. Water is poured, promises are made, a candle is lit - and a new life is celebrated by everyone gathered.
We baptise babies, children and adults. Whether it’s for your little one, an older child making their own decision, or you yourself - we’d love to talk it through with you.
The minister makes the sign of the cross on your child's forehead - an invisible badge to show they are united with Christ.
Water is poured on your child's head, a sign of being washed free from sin and beginning a new life with God.
Jesus said, 'I am the light of the world.' You'll be presented with a lit candle as a reminder of the light Christ is in your child's life.
Nothing - they are the same thing. Churches normally use the word 'baptism', but feel free to use whichever you're more comfortable with.
Anyone - babies, children, teenagers and adults. Baptism is a welcome into the family of the church, and it's never too late (or too early) to take that step.
Not necessarily. If you live in Finningley or Auckley, or have a connection to one of our churches, we'd love to talk. If you're further afield, get in touch and we'll point you in the right direction.
Baptism is free. There's no charge for the service itself. Some families choose to make a donation to the church, but there's absolutely no pressure to do so.
At Finningley, we can accommodate around 120 adults and children. St Saviour's in Auckley is much smaller, 50 is the comfortable number, though we can fit a few more if everyone's happy to be friendly and shuffle up.
You and the godparents bring your child to the font. The minister asks you to make some promises on behalf of your child, water is poured, your child is baptised, and a candle is lit. The service lasts around 30 minutes - family-friendly, and we'll guide you through every step so there's no need to memorise anything.
In the Church of England you'll need at least three godparents - traditionally two of the same sex as the child and one of the other. Godparents must be baptised themselves and understand the promises they're making, so choose people you trust to take a real interest in your child's spiritual welfare. Parents can be godparents at the same time. We'll talk it all through with you.
There’s something special about being married in a parish church - a sense of history, of community, and of something bigger than the day itself. Holy Trinity & St Oswald's in Finningley is a stunning historic church; St Saviour’s in Auckley is a warm and intimate setting. Either makes a beautiful start to married life.
We’d love to chat about your day - the music, the readings, the practicalities, the meaning, and of course the legal aspect. One of our ministers will walk you through everything, from your first enquiry to the moment you walk back down the aisle as a married couple.
If you live in the parish, were baptised here, or have a qualifying connection (family link, regular worshipper, previously lived here), then yes. Even if you don't - there are ways to establish a connection. Get in touch and we'll work it through with you.
As early as you can, especially for popular Saturdays in spring and summer. A year ahead isn't unusual - but do ask whatever the timeline; we'll always try to help.
Before you can be married in church, your Banns of Marriage must be published - a traditional, public declaration of your intention to marry. If both of you live in Finningley, Auckley or Blaxton, we'll take care of that for you. If either of you lives outside these villages, your banns must also be read in your home parish, and the minister there will issue a Banns Certificate to bring to us. We'll guide you through it.
The total fee is £645 - £605 for the standard Church of England fee (covering the minister, use of the church and the publication of banns) plus £40 towards the Verger, who prepares the church, helps on the day and rings the bells. If you'd like an organist, that's an additional £75; for recorded music, an Audio-Visual Operator is £40. Fees are reviewed each January.
Your service should reflect who you are as a couple. We're delighted to help you plan the music for the entrance, the signing and the walk back down the aisle, choose hymns and readings, and find people you'd love to read or share a poem. Do share a draft order of service with us before printing - printers sometimes use wording that isn't quite right for use during the service.
We strongly recommend one. There's nothing to memorise, but a rehearsal helps everyone feel relaxed and confident - you'll walk through the service together and know exactly where to stand. Most couples find it invaluable for making the day itself feel calm and joyful.
There are usually some floral arrangements already in place, but you're very welcome to bring in a florist - please ask them to contact us at least a week ahead so we can arrange access. Official photography and filming are warmly welcomed during the service; we just ask for no flash and minimal movement, to preserve the reverence of the occasion. The church offers lovely backdrops for photos afterwards.
We kindly ask that the groom and best man arrive around 30 minutes before the service, and that the bride arrives on time rather than late. This allows time for photographs and practical arrangements, while still preserving the lovely tradition of the bride making her entrance a few moments after the service is due to begin. We sometimes have more than one wedding on the same day, so punctuality really helps everything run smoothly.
Since 2021, marriage certificates are issued (on request) by Doncaster Registry Office rather than by the church. Yours will be available no later than 28 days after your wedding, and there's usually a small fee. Contact Doncaster Registration Office, Civic Street, Doncaster DN1 2EB - 01302 735422, registrars@doncaster.gov.uk.
Marking an anniversary? Welcoming a new baby with a service of thanksgiving rather than baptism? We’d love to mark those moments with you too. Just get in touch and we’ll talk about what would suit.
The easiest first step is to drop us a line or give the church office a ring. There’s no commitment - we’re very happy to answer questions, talk through possibilities, or arrange a chat over a cup of tea.
Baptisms at Finningley
For baptisms at Holy Trinity & St Oswald, you can also contact our Baptism Coordinator, Karen Robinson, who will be very happy to help.
01302 770607