Sacramental Preparation
For all Sacramental Preparation needs, please contact The Rev. Erica S. Rozolsky.
The sacraments are outward and visible signs of inward and spiritual grace, given by Christ as sure and certain means by which we receive that grace. They sustain our present hope and anticipate its future fulfillment. There is no fee for any sacrament or sacramental preparation.
Holy Baptism
Baptism is union with Christ in his death and resurrection, birth into God’s family the Church, forgiveness of sins, and new life in the Holy Spirit. Baptism is our initiation into life in Christ. Baptisms are scheduled on the following Holy Days: The Baptism of Our Lord in January, the Easter Vigil, the Feast of Pentecost (50 days after Easter), and the Feast of All Saints (November 1). Preparation includes a six-week class on the meaning and history of Baptism.
Confirmation/Reception
Confirmation/Reception is a sacrament wherein we affirm our baptismal vows and commit ourselves to following Jesus as Episcopalians. In the Episcopal Church, the sacrament of Conirmation and Reception is reserved to the Bishop. Preparation includes a seven-week class offered prior to the Bishop's annual homecoming.
Holy Matrimony
Holy Matrimony is Christian marriage, in which two people 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. Preparation includes at least 10 sessions of premarital counseling with the priest presiding at the ceremony.
Reconciliation
Reconciliation of a Penitent, or Penance, is the rite in which those who repent of their sins may privately confess them to God in the presence of a priest, and receive the assurance of pardon, and the grace of absolution. Preparation includes an initial meeting with the confessor to discuss various methods of self-examination. The Reconciliation of a Penitent is available for all who desire it.
Ministration with the Sick and the Dying
In Ministry with the Sick or Dying, the Church acts in the grace of God for the health and salvation of its members. This ministry is based on Jesus’ constant witness of concern and care for the sick. It is also shaped by the Epistle of James’ direction to the sick to call
for the elders of the Church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of Jesus Christ (James 5:14). Unction is the rite of anointing the sick with oil, or the laying on of hands, by which God’s grace is given for the healing of spirit, mind, and body.
Healing is offered for any who feel the need for specific healing of spirit, mind, or body. While all Christians stand between the fullness of the baptismal gift of grace and the
inal consummation of that grace—and thus all are in need of healing—the sacrament is usually offered in response to some particular need or concern. The sacrament is particularly appro-priate at times of discovery of illness, a turning point in an illness, a particular procedure, or at a time of great distress.
When a person is near death, please contact the Priest as soon as possible, so that the ministrations of the Church may be offered.
Funeral Services
The death of a member of the Church should be reported as soon as possible to, and arrangements for the funeral should be made in consultation with, the Priest. Baptized Christians are properly buried from the church. The service should be held at a time when the congregation has opportunity to be present.
Funeral planning is available prior to illness or death, and is part of our annual workshop on end-of-life decision planning.
Funeral services are offered to all in the community, regardless of faith. However, our services are grounded in our witness to the love of God revealed to us in Jesus Christ.