The Sacrament of Holy Baptism is normally administered within the context of the Holy Eucharist on Sundays and may be scheduled by calling the Parish Office. A Baptismal Preparation class is required for parents and sponsors before the baptismal date.
Baptisms typically occur at a Sunday liturgy (except for the Great Vigil of
Easter), not private (except for emergencies) and are not done during Lent.
There are five occasions when baptisms are especially appropriate: The Great
Vigil of Easter, The Day of Pentecost, the Visit of the Bishop (which varies
from year to year), All Saints' Sunday, and the Feast of the Baptism of Christ
(the First Sunday after the Epiphany, in early January). Otherwise, a
Sunday as arranged with the rector. Parents are expected to start coming
to the church before the date for a baptism is set, but do not have to be
Episcopalians or members of the parish themselves already before having a baby
or child baptized. The rector meets with all families planning a baptism
for a baby or a child. Longer preparation is available for teens or adults
preparing for baptism
Holy Communion is open to all baptized Christians. Non-Baptized persons are invited to come to the rail for a blessing.
It is our custom to come forward to the rail, and kneel and place the palm of one hand in the other to receive the bread. You may receive the wine either by guiding the chalice to your mouth, or by carefully dipping the wafer into the wine. Parents are asked to assist their young children in receiving the bread and wine.
If you wish to receive the bread but not the wine, you may cross your arms after
receiving the bread, and the chalicer will say the words of the gift to
you. If you would like to receive a non-wheat communion wafer, please tell
the clergy member distributing the bread to your area of the altar rail when you
come forward.
Communion Classes for elementary school-aged children
are run annually in the winter, as scheduled.
Confirmation preparation begins with Sunday School.
All persons who wish to affiliate with the Episcopal Church are expected to make a mature public affirmation of their faith and commitment to the responsibilities of their Baptism through the laying on of hands by the Bishop at a special service of Confirmation.
Preparation for those wishing to make such an adult affirmation of Faith includes a specially scheduled course of reading and study under the guidance of the Rector.
Confession (Reconciliation of a Penitent)
is available for all who desire it by contacting the priest. A general Confession is part of our regular Sunday Holy Eucharist service.
Wedding arrangements can be made with the Rector. A minimum of four months notice is necessary, as is completion of pre-marital counseling.
Ministry to the Sick
In case of illness or injury, please notify the parish office as soon as possible.
Individual, confidential prayers for healing on one's own behalf
and/or on behalf of others are available after every service, and by request to a member of the Prayer Chain or clergy.
Home, nursing home and hospital visits are made by clergy and by
licensed Lay Eucharistic Visitors.
Christian Burial
Members of the church are properly buried from the church. The clergy will also conduct funeral home or graveside services for non-members. A member of the clergy should be contacted as soon as possible after a death has occurred.
