Marriage is a solemn public covenant between two persons in the presence of God. In marriage, two people make a lifelong commitment to love, support, encourage, comfort, and delight in each other. By entering marriage within the context of the church a couple recognizes and celebrates God’s sustaining presence in their marriage.
While weddings are joyful celebrations of a couple’s commitment to each other, it is the marriage itself, the lifelong, loving relationship formed and nurtured between these two people, which is truly holy.
In the Episcopal Church it is required that at least one of the parties be a baptized Christian, that the ceremony be attested by at least two witnesses, and that the marriage conform to the laws of the state and the canons of the church.
The Priest who will solemnize the marriage typically meets with the couple on several occasions prior to the service to discuss the meaning of Christian marriage in the couple’s life.
If you are considering a Christian marriage and exploring a suitable Church to have your wedding, feel free to contact the priest at 508-648-5104.
Marriage
Holy Baptism is a sacrament by which new members are made part of Christ’s Body, the Christian Church.
In baptism, holy water is poured over the head of the person being baptized. Then Chrism (holy oil,) is poured on the person's head as the presence of the Holy Spirit is invoked and claimed for this new Christian. Finally, a candle is given to the newly baptized, symbolizing that this person now shares in carrying the Light of Christ into the world.
When we baptize infants, it is the parents and sponsors (godparents) who make promises on behalf of the child. When we baptize adults, the adult renounces evil, affirms faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, and joins in promising to uphold the faith of the Church.
All people of any age are welcome to baptized; we believe in one baptism for the forgiveness of sins, as the “bond which God establishes in Baptism is indissoluble” (Book of Common Prayer, p. 298).
If you are interested in getting baptized or to baptize your child, please contact the priest at 508-648-5104
