Baptisms, Weddings, Funerals
First Communion, Confirmation, Reception and Reaffirmation
Baptisms
In the waters of baptism, we are lovingly adopted by God into God’s family, which we call the Church, and given God’s own life to share and reminded that nothing can separate us from God’s love in Christ. Holy Baptism, which can be performed through pouring of water or immersion in it, marks a formal entrance to the congregation and wider Church; the candidates for the sacrament make a series of vows, including an affirmation of the Baptismal Covenant, and are baptized in the Name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. They are marked as Christ’s own forever, having “clothed [themselves] with Christ” (Galatians 3:27).
All people of any age are welcome to be baptized; we believe in one baptism for the forgiveness of sins, as the “bond which God establishes in Baptism is indissoluble.”
Baptisms ordinarily take place on major feast days. Refer to our calendar for suggested dates or contact the church office for assistance. For special circumstances, please speak with the church office.
Funerals
The liturgy for the deceased is an Easter liturgy. It finds all meaning in the resurrection. Because Jesus was raised from the dead, we too, shall be raised. The liturgy, therefore, is characterized by joy, in the certainty that “neither death, not life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” This joy, however, does not make human grief unchristian. The very love we have for each other in Christ brings deep sorrow when we are parted by death. Jesus himself wept at the grave of his friend. So, while we rejoice that one we love has entered into the nearer presence of our Lord, we sorrow in sympathy with those who mourn.
Weddings
As couples prepare for their wedding, our aim is to help and lend support, encouragement, and affirmation. The anticipation of a wedding is such a delightful time. The focus is on the future, a new kind of future for the couple, their families and their extended families.
The marriage service itself, as it appears in the Book of Common Prayer (pages 423-431) expresses in time honored phrases the teaching of the Christian Church regarding Holy Matrimony.
Begin by visiting Holy Trinity for a worship service. This is where the conversation should begin, even if you are new. For more information and to visit with us about your special day, please contact the church office and read through the wedding customary.
Communion Class
In the Episcopal tradition, all baptized persons are invited to receive communion. This includes children, too. Parents in conversation with their child determine the best time for their child to receive. Many children receive the bread as soon as they are old enough to hold it. However, some families choose to have their children wait to receive until the child is a bit older.
Communion class is an introduction to the sacraments of Holy Baptism and the Holy Eucharist and to help children understand the true meaning of receiving the sacrament of Holy Eucharist.
Confirmation, Reaffirmation & Reception
Confirmation is the sacramental rite in which the candidates "express a mature commitment to Christ, and receive strength from the Holy Spirit through prayer and the laying on of hands by a bishop.” Those who were baptized at an early age and those baptized as adults without laying on of hands by a bishop are expected to make a mature public affirmation of their faith, recommit themselves to the responsibilities of their baptism, and receive laying on of hands by a bishop). Adults baptized with the laying on of hands by a bishop are considered to be confirmed.
Reaffirmation and Reception are rites available to those seeking either to renew their Baptismal vows, or to be received into the Episcopal Church, having already been baptized and confirmed in another Christian tradition. Please contact the Parish Office for more information regarding reaffirmation, reception and confirmation.