Baptisms and Weddings

HOLY BAPTISM

Holy Baptism is a sacrament of the Church, an outward and visible sign of God’s inward and spiritual grace. In the Episcopal Church, we baptize people of all ages, including infants and young children, “so that they can share citizenship in the Covenant, membership in Christ, and redemption by God” (page 858 in the Prayer Book). At St. Mary’s, baptisms typically occur during regular, Sunday morning services and are particularly appropriate on the following days of the year: the Baptism of our Lord (the First Sunday after the Epiphany), the Great Vigil of Easter, the Day of Pentecost, All Saints’ Day, and the Bishop’s annual visit. Parents and Godparents make the baptismal vows on behalf of infants and young children who are unable to speak for themselves. Older children and adults may speak for themselves. A rehearsal and time of instruction takes place before the service. Parents, godparents, and older baptismal candidates are required to attend this time of instruction.

For more information about the sacrament of Holy Baptism or to schedule a baptism, please contact our priest, Father Eric.

WEDDINGS

To find a partner with whom you want to share your life is a sacred gift, and we consider it a great blessing when two people make the choice to have their marriage blessed in the presence of God and God’s people. In the Episcopal Church, we celebrate the vows two people make to one another in Christian marriage and ask for God’s blessing to be upon the newly married couple to help them fulfill their vows. It is our belief that the solemn vows of Christian marriage are best expressed and maintained within the Church community. Therefore, it is our policy at St. Mary’s that only members of the parish and their families may be married at the church.

If you are interested in getting married at St. Mary’s, please contact our priest, Father Eric.