Life Events
A parish accompanies people through many of life's joyful, sacred, and difficult moments. All people are always welcome to participate as fully as they would like in the life of the Parish of St. Paul.
Below are some ways that people may seek to engage in the life of the parish and the church. It is an individual’s decision of conscience whether or not to seek to participate in any of the ways that follow. No matter what a person decides, they are always welcome at St. Paul’s.
Baptism & Christian Formation
Baptism
Baptism, which is open to people of any age, is the sacrament of full initiation by water and the Holy Spirit into life in Christ and Christ’s Body, the church. Through baptism, God establishes an indissoluble bond with each person, adopting us, and making us members of the church and inheritors of God’s beloved community. In baptism, an individual — either themself or through their parents and godparents — enters into the baptismal covenant.
Confirmation, Reaffirmation & Reception
Confirmation is a public affirmation of one’s faith and a recommitment to the baptismal covenant. In confirmation, an individual receives a laying on of hands by a bishop. Confirmation is available to individuals who were baptized as children, and to individuals who were baptized as adults without the laying on of hands by a bishop.
Reaffirmation is a public affirmation through the laying on of hands by a bishop of one’s faith and a recommitment to the responsibilities of baptism and confirmation expressed through the baptismal covenant. Reaffirmation is available to all who have been baptized and confirmed.
Reception into The Episcopal Church is for individuals who have been baptized and confirmed in a different Christian tradition and would like to become members of The Episcopal Church and enter into the baptismal covenant through the laying on of hands by a bishop.
Holy Eucharist
Holy Eucharist/Holy Communion is the sacrament of Christ’s Body and Blood, and is the principal act of Christian worship. The term “eucharist” is from the Greek “thanksgiving.” On the night he was betrayed and handed over to death, Jesus shared bread and wine with his friends, instructing them to continue to share this bread and wine in his memory. In The Episcopal Church, receiving the Eucharist is available to all of any age who seek Christ. While there is no formal requirement for a “first communion,” such an event can be planned if so desired.
If you are interested in Baptism, Confirmation, Reception, Reaffirmation, or Holy Eucharist, please contact Rev. Meghan. She would be happy to talk with you about what these practices mean and whether they may be right for you.
Significant Life Moments
The church is present not only for Sunday worship, but also for many of life's significant moments and transitions.
In addition to conducting marriages for same-sex, same-gender, opposite-sex, and opposite-gender couples, The Episcopal Church offers ways to mark and celebrate important life events, including:
Thanksgiving for the Birth or Adoption of a Child
Blessing of a Lifelong Covenant or Civil Marriage
Blessing of a Pregnant Person
Service of Renaming
Rite for Mourning the Loss of a Pregnancy
If you are interested in marking a significant life event through prayer, blessing, or worship, please contact Rev. Meghan.
In Times of Loss
Along with support and community in times of grief, the parish is available for memorial services and funerals for parishioners and their families, as well as members of the extended community. Funeral home and graveside services are also possible.
If you are interested in holding an end-of-life service, please be in contact with Rev. Meghan.