Holy Baptism

Baptism is full initiation by water and the Holy Spirit into Christ's body, the Church. As such, it is the single prerequisite for the reception of communion and membership in the parish of St. Andrew's.

Baptism is normally administered durting the 8 and/or 10 a.m. service five times during the year: the first Sunday of Sunday School; All Saints Sunday; The Feast of the Baptism of Jesus; The Easter Vigil; and Pentacost. Private baptism, or baptism at the Sunday Eucharist on days other than the norm may occur under special circumstances, through conversation with the rector.

Instruction in the meaning of baptism is offered twice yearly to the parents and godparents of infants. Attendance is expected. Adults seeking baptism must meet privately with the clergy for instruction.

Confirmation

In the course of their Christian development, those baptized at an early age are expected, when they are ready and have been duly prepared, to make a mature public affirmation of their faith and committment to the responsibilities of their baptism and to receive the laying on of hands by the bishop. At St. Andrew's the normative time for this to occur for youth is ninth grade.

Adults are encouraged to seek confirmation, or if they have been confirmed in another denomination, to be received by the Bishop into the Episcopal Church. Classes are offered annually in preparation for confirmation/reception.

Eucharist

Epicopalians believe in the Real Presence of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist we share weekly. All baptised persons of any age are welcomed to the altar to reveive communion. You may receive both the bread and the wine, or choose to "intinct" (i.e., dip the wafer in the wine), or alternately only receive the bread. You are encouraged to assist the administrator by holding the base of the chalice and guiding it to your lips.

Marriage

Christian marriage is a solemn and public covenant between a man and woman in the presence of God. In the Episcopal Church, it is required that at least one of the parties be baptised, that the ceremony be attested to by two witnesses; and that the marriage conform to the laws of the state and the canons of this Church. While marriage of divorced persons is permitted within the Episcopal Church, six months notice is required, as well as the permission of the Bishop. It is expected that at least one member of the couple seeking marriage be a communicant in good standing at St. Andrew's.