Life Passages

Baptism

Baptism is the Sacrament of entrance into life with Jesus and the solidarity of forgiving relationships. Baptism has been an integral part of the Church from ancient times. Jesus was baptized by John in the river Jordan and we remember this each time we participate in a Baptism. By choosing Baptism you are choosing to be part of Gods visible, tangible symbol in the world. Baptism is the beginning of a life of faith.

All Baptized Christians share in the royal priesthood of Christ, all are called to offer the sacrifice of thanks and praise, to intercede for others in prayer, to live lives of service and proclaim the Gospel.

Baptism is a sign or symbol, the sign instituted by Jesus to unite us with his own Baptism. Baptism is a sign of salvation because it is the Sacrament introduced by Jesus to make us part of his body the Church.

We welcome all who wish to explore more fully the meaning of this Sacrament in their own lives or the lives of their children. It is expected of parents having children baptized that they will have attended church for at least the last 6 months.

If you are interested in exploring this next step in your own faith, or perhaps your child’s, please contact us.

Confirmation

Confirmation is the Sacrament that celebrates the presence of the Holy Spirit within us. It is a continuation of what has begun at Baptism – a continuation of the developing awareness and reality of faith and the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

In Confirmation we are confirmed in the Holy Spirit. In the Holy Spirit we receive Gods love which gives us the power to love as God loves.

The Rite of Confirmation is just that confirming your faith in Jesus Christ, lived out as an active member of the Church.

With this in mind, please note the following as you consider whether this Rite is appropriate for you at this time:

• Have you reached the age of 15 years?
• Have you participated in the life of our church on at least a monthly basis for the past six months? This can include worship; our various study groups, or other parish activities.
• Do you feel ready to commit to an active ministry in the life of the church?

If you would like to inquire further about this rite of the Church, please contact us.

Marriage

Marriage is a Sacrament in the Church and is an outward and visible sign of God’s grace. This means that as a couple say their vows, join hands and exchange ring(s), these outward actions become a sign of God’s grace manifested in the love God has for each of them and the love they have for each other.

The desire to marry is a sign that each partner has been touched by another in an extra special way. They have opened their hearts to one another and finally found the courage in their love to want to offer and to receive total commitment for life. There is a risk here for they are offering their whole life to another human being in complete trust. But love, the kind of authentic love which reflects the love of God does just that; it is willing to give everything, even life itself for the beloved.

You and your partner have chosen to take a new, lifelong journey together. We feel excited and privileged that you are considering sharing this next stage with the living God, through our church community. It is expected that you will have attended church for a minimum of six months before your wedding takes place. Contact us for more information.

Funerals

At St. Paul’s we want to help care for those who have suffered a loss. We provide funeral services at the church or at an alternative location such as at a chapel at a funeral home. A funeral service marks the passing of those who have died, to give thanks for their lives and to comfort those who mourn. Please contact us.