I want to....

Whatever you want to do at church, we hope that this page will point you in the right direction.

I want to come to church.

"I’ve never been to church in my life before. Is it still all right to come?"

It’s fine! Look on our On a Sunday page and pick a service that you think might suit you and just come along and give us a try.


I want to find out more about the Christian faith.

"I don’t really know what Christians believe and I’ve lots of questions."

Come along one Sunday and you’ll be welcomed warmly. Ask about one of our special courses. From time to time we run short ‘Start Courses’, which explain the Christian faith in a simple way and give ample opportunity to ask questions.


I want to meet and talk with other Christians.

"I know a bit about the Christian faith and would like to learn more and build friendships with other Christians."

We have lots of small group activities where you could build friendships: and if you want to learn more about the Christian faith you might like to join one of our Small Groups that meet informally in local homes to read the Bible, talk and pray.  Have a look at our Exploring Faith page to find out more.

For groups with a more practical focus, have a look at our During the Week page and give something a try.


I want to bring my children to church.

"My children are lively and aren’t used to being quiet.  Can I still bring them to church?"

You can bring your children with pleasure. Many of our morning services cater for children in some way. Have a look at our For Children page to help you decide which service would suit you best.

I want my child to come to church but not on a Sunday!

"Sundays are impossibly busy. Is there any other time I can come?"

You might enjoy ‘Praise and Play’. A group of Mums and toddlers meet at St Mary, Tadcaster every Monday at 1:15 pm during term time in the church for a chat, a sing and a Bible story, followed by a cup of tea. It’s slightly chaotic but very friendly.

Or why not try Messy Church which meets once a month (on a Thursday in Tadcaster and a Monday in Church Fenton) after school?  Lots of activities, stories and fun, plus a meal to share.  


I want to have my child baptised.

I don’t come to church but I would like to have my child baptised. Is that possible?

It is! Baptism is God’s gift of unconditional love for your child so it is not dependent on your church attendance. If you hope God’s gift will become increasingly meaningful as your child grows up, you might consider bringing your family along to one of our more child-friendly services.

To book the baptism you will need to contact Tricia, our administrator (01937 835098). Someone will visit you to explain all that happens at the service of baptism and help you with any questions you may have. Baptisms normally take place on the second Sunday in the month at 12:30 pm at Tadcaster and by arrangement at the other churches.  

To find out more, visit our Baptism page.


I want to get married at St. Mary’s.

"How do I go about organising a wedding with you?"

We’re delighted you would like to be married in one of our churches. You will need to talk first of all to Tricia, our Administrator, who will help you through the initial booking and guide you through the process.  If you have been married before, you might like to call our vicar, Sue, to set up an appointment to discuss the possibility of marrying in church. 

To find out more, visit our Marriage page.


I want to hire a room for a special event.

"I’m planning a family celebration and would like to hire a room."

The Boys' Sunday School in Tadcaster is just opposite the church and has a large room with kitchen facilities and toilets, plus a smaller room upstairs. It is available for family parties as well as for one-off or regular bookings from local groups or organisations.  Phone our booking secretary, John Horton, on 07891 840580.  For more information and a photo, go to our Church Hall page.

I want to receive Holy Communion at home.

"I can't get to church each week, but I would still like to receive communion"

We take Communion on a monthly basis to a number of housebound people and would be delighted to include you on that list. Contact Val Simpson (01937 833663) if you live in Tadcaster or the vicar/curate if you live elsewhere (or our administrator (01937 835098) if you are not sure who to contact!)


I want a lift to church.

"I’d like to come to church but haven’t any transport."

Contact our administrator (01937 835098) and she’ll try to find someone who would be pleased to offer you a lift.


I want to look around the church building.

"I would like to spend some time in the church, is that ok?"

Tadcaster church is open daily from about 10am until 4:00 pm, Monday to Saturday.  You are very welcome to visit, whether you want to explore the building, spend some time with God, or just enjoy the peace.

There are guides to help you explore, near the entrance.  Visit our "A Tour of St Mary's" page for some ideas of what to look out for.  If you want to pray, do visit the prayer table at the front of church.


I want to ring the bells.

"I’ve never rung bells before, but would love to give it a try."

We have an enthusiastic team of bell ringers at Tadcaster, learners as well as experienced ringers. They will be happy to include you. Contact Sue Webb (0113 2867235)

To find out more, visit our Bell Ringing page.


I want to be involved with the music.

"I sing or play an instrument to a reasonable standard. Is there anything I could be involved with?"

You might like to consider singing with the St Mary's Tadcaster choir or being involved with leading more informal worship that plays for the ‘All Age Service’ and youth events. Look at our Music page.


I want to research my family history.

You’re welcome to visit the church to see where your ancestors were married. The Borthwick Institute of Historical Research in York holds the parish registers:

Baptisms: 1570-1624, 1653-1971

Marriages: 1570-1624, 1653-1977

Burials: 1570-1624, 1653-1932

Bishop's Transcripts: 1598, 1632-1641, 1666-1669, 1671-1673, 1675, 1676, 1682, 1690, 1692,1695-1697, 1700-1702, 1705, 1707-1745, 1747-1755, 1757-1773, 1775-1859

IGI Coverage: C 1570-1720, 1720-1859;

M 1570-1720, 1720-1837

Visit the Borthwick Institute Website for details of how to access the records.