St. Mary's is a parish based in the centre of Aylesbury, its life
centering on our ancient church. As well being the parish church, St.
Mary's is the county church for Buckinghamshire.
We enjoy a busy life in the parish and in the church. The building is always buzzing with activity, for example
These are to name but a few. You are always welcome into the church,
and we are always delighted to welcome those who are new to the church
or even those new to Aylesbury. Our welcome is legendary!
Faith
St Mary's and the Team to which it belongs are part of the
Anglican Church of England. We would describe ourselves as 'modern
catholic', but the expression of our faith through our worship is very
broad and inclusive of all tastes and preferences. We are a eucharistic
community, which means that our Christian life and witness is rooted in
the eucharist or the feast of the body and blood of Jesus Christ. We
enjoy a very spiritual expression of faith, with prayerfulness being at
the centre of our parish life. Whilst we pray for one another, we
believe that our prayers and efforts should also have an outward
dimension, into the community of which we form a part. The Lady Chapel
is always kept aside for personal prayer and reflection, and it also
houses the Reservation of the Blessed Sacrament, a fitting focus for
prayer and a relationship with God.
Life
The church building is thefocus
of the worshipping life of the parish and also the centre of our
outreach to the community of Aylesbury. Amongst the work that we do, we
provide hospitality and refreshment in our Refectory, our own tea-room
within the building. It is open for most of the week and serves hot
foot and drinks, ethically sourced, home cooked. We provide a very
peaceful setting in the old-town of Aylesbury, and a conducive
environment for a relaxing drink or light meal. All our produce is
sourced according to Fairtrade, wherever possible.
The church also houses the SPACE project, and therefore provides a
valuable safe space for those in particular need. The project's
office is also within the building, as are its key workers. The project is
very important to us as it is just one way that we can provide for
those with specific need.
Being an historic monument, we attract many visitors, all of whom are
most welcome. We try to guarantee that the church is open until 3pm
each day (subject to staffing, of course). If you are reading this and
have yet to visit us in person, please do feel completely free to come
into the church. You will be welcome to join in any act of worship that
may be taking place, or just to absorb the atmosphere (and new found
warmth).
Building
The church building itself is packed with historical and architectural
interests, principal of which is our world-famous 'Aylesbury Font'. We
are blessed with fine stained-glass and masonary features which date
back centuries. As with all buildings of this age and size, it needs
continuous work and development. Such work needs funds to be raised and
resources properly managed. If the building is of particular interest
or significance to you, then consider becoming a Friend of St Marys,
thereby playing your part in maintaining this important place of prayer
for future generations.
Belonging
Many people believe that you have to go to church on a Sunday to be a
Christian or to be a member of its community. Not so with this parish.
We are a thriving community that comprises many smaller groups, each
important and each distinct. You could become part of any of the
following smaller groups that form the main community
The weekday worshipping community who attend our weekday eucharists or morning-prayer
A parent or child who wish to join St Mary's Tots
A Refectory volunteer
One of the large body of volunteers who maintain and beautify the church, with fllowers, by polishing or cleaning
A lover of good music who attends our Lunctime Concerts of Thursdays
A volunteer with SPACE project during the week
A regular customer at our Refectory
A frequent visitor who loves to be inside our wonderful church
A musician with a love of performing for an audience
Someone who wants simply to come quietly into the Chapel and pray to God.