If you visit Great St Mary’s, you will notice lots of signs of the Christian faith. This is because the very reason for Great St Mary’s existence is that people in this place over 800 years ago believed in the Christian God and gathered on this site to worship. People still gather here to worship today. To believe in the Christian God is to believe in God as Trinity – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

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You might notice a crucifix on the wall. At the heart of Christian faith is a belief that God came down to live amongst real human beings as Jesus, and that Jesus died to save humanity from their sins. Christians believe that Jesus then resurrected – rose to life – and he continues to live today, eternal with God the Father.

If you climb our tower, you can think about Jesus’ ascension. After rising and appearing to his disciples, it is said in the Bible that Jesus ascended to heaven to be with God. On Ascension Day, which comes once a year, there is a service held at the top of the tower to commemorate this.

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As you enter the church, to your right you will see a stone structure that looks almost like a bird bath or a giant chalice. This is called a font, and it is used to baptise people. Being baptised is how somebody enters the Christian faith (and this is why the font is often found need the entrance to a church). Baptism is pronounced in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit and involves water being poured over a person’s head – sometimes people are baptised as babies, but you can choose to be baptised at any age. In baptism, sins are washed away and a person promises to do their best to live a Christian life and turn away from what is wrong. When a baby or young child is baptised, Godparents make these promises on their behalf.

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Further resources about what Christians believe are in progress. In the meantime, if you have any questions please email our Education Officer.