Baptisms, Weddings, and Funerals at St. Paul’s

Baptisms

Holy Baptism is initiation into the Body of Christ and a life of discipleship, whether for an infant, child, or adult (see https://episcopalchurch.org/library/glossary/baptism). Holy Baptism is always celebrated in community, in the context of the Holy Eucharist. Four days during the year are set aside as especially appropriate for baptism: the Great Vigil of Easter, Pentecost Sunday (fifty days after Easter), All Saints’ Sunday (early November), and the feast of the Baptism of Our Lord (early January). Candidates for baptism (and if children, their parents as well) will meet with a member of the clergy for preparation for several sessions before the baptism. Sponsors or godparents are to be themselves baptized Christians. If you are interested in baptism for yourself or your child, please contact the parish office for an application.

Weddings

In the Episcopal Church, marriage is “the sacramental rite of the church in which two persons [regardless of gender or orientation] ‘enter into a life-long union, make their vows before God and the Church, and receive the grace and blessing of God to help them fulfill their vows’ (BCP, p. 861)” (see https://episcopalchurch.org/library/glossary/marriage). To be married at St. Paul’s, at least one person of the couple must be a baptized Christian (not necessarily an Episcopalian). The couple is expected to meet regularly for counseling with the priest in the months prior to the wedding, and the marriage ceremony will be taken from approved liturgical resources of the Episcopal Church. If you are considering marriage at St. Paul’s, please contact the parish office at least six months prior to the wedding date. If one or both of the parties has been divorced, the marriage requires the consent of the bishop.

Funerals

In the midst of sorrow, the rite of Christian burial is a celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus and our hope of sharing in that resurrection. One does not have to be a member of the parish to have one’s funeral at St. Paul’s; however, funerals normally follow the order indicated in The Book of Common Prayer. The clergy work with the family to choose readings, music, and speakers for the service, often in conjunction with the parish director of music. Funerals may be celebrated with or without the Holy Eucharist. Advance planning of funerals is encouraged; the clergy are more than happy to help plan a funeral for you or a loved one well before it is needed. (See https://episcopalchurch.org/library/glossary/burial-dead).