Baptism

It is customary for the priest to meet with baptismal candidates and their Godparents for instruction and discussion prior to the baptism. We celebrate the sacrament of Holy Baptism on the days designated by the church as most appropriate: Easter Vigil, Pentecost, All Saints’ Day, and the Feast of the Baptism of Our Lord. If pastoral concerns make it necessary, additional services of Holy Baptism are celebrated at a principal service on a Sunday.

Marriage

All marriages are solemnized in conformance with the canons of the Episcopal Church. The celebration and blessing of a marriage in our Book of Common Prayer is used at all marriages. Flowers and tasteful decoration of the church are permitted as approved by the rector. All music must first be approved by the parish organist and/or the rector.

First Holy Communion

It has been the practice of Christ Church to welcome all baptized Christians to the Lord’s table. Thus children receive communion when they demonstrate a receptivity to being included in this festive meal of holy mystery. Since the General Convention of 1970 voted to admit children to communion before confirmation, children have been receiving communion at increasingly younger ages. Currently communion instruction is offered once or twice a year to accommodate the needs of children who reach a level of intellectual readiness and desire to explore the concepts related to Holy Communion. Some of the secondary school children have been receiving communion and thus are already learning about this sacrament experientially, socially and emotionally.

Confirmation

Once a year either a bishop visits the parish for the purpose of confirming candidates, or the candidates gather with those of other parishes at the cathedral for confirmation. A series of classes is offered each year in preparation for this sacrament of commitment to the Christian faith. Other people are encouraged to attend these classes, such as newcomers, those desiring reception, those desiring reaffirmation and those interested in their own faith development.

For more information about the Episcopal faith, please visit the Episcopal Church Web site by clicking here.