Baptism
Baptism is the rite of full initiation, by water and the Holy Spirit, into membership in the Christian church. In the Episcopal Church Baptisms take place in the context of the Eucharist at any Sunday or feast day of the year. Baptism may be by immersion or pouring water over the head of the baptized. In the Anglican tradition, the celebrant always makes the sign of the cross on the forehead of the baptized often anointing with the oil of chrism at the same time. The order of service for Holy Baptism is found in the Book of Common Prayer on page 299.

Contact the church for more information about baptisms at St. Andrew’s.

Confirmation
Confirmation is a rite of mature commitment to Christ through prayers, the renewal of
Baptism vows, the laying on of hands by a bishop. One must be baptized in order to be confirmed. Confirmation usually follows a period of prayer, study and instruction called confirmation class or inquirers class. The order of service for confirmation is found on page 413 of the Book of Common Prayer.

Holy Eucharist
The Eucharist is the principal act of Christian worship on Sundays and on other major feast days. The word Eucharist comes from the Greek word Eucharistia meaning “thanksgiving”. The Eucharist is the sacrament of Christ’s resurrection and ongoing presence at work among us. The Book of Common Prayer includes three versions beginning on page 323 with Rite One.

Holy Matrimony
Christian marriage is a solemn and public covenant between a man and a
woman in the presence of God. In the Episcopal Church it is required that
one, at least, of the parties must 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 this Church.

A priest or a bishop normally presides at the Celebration and Blessing
of a Marriage, because such ministers alone have the function of
pronouncing the nuptial blessing, and of celebrating the Holy Eucharist.

**The church will be under construction beginning after Easter 2008 and we will not be able to accommodate weddings in our church building until its completion. Thank you.

Funeral and Burial Arrangements
Arrangements for a funeral or burial can be made by contacting St. Andrew’s office.