Of all human events, death concerns us the most deeply. When death approaches, whether our own or someone close to us, it immediately becomes our principal and overriding concern. When people die, their family and friends suffer loss, shock, and grief. Grief is a wound that requires time and care to
RITES WITH THE SICK AND DYING
End of life issues There are a multitude of details to attend to regarding end of life issues. Just as having a will and other legal matters in place is important, it is also advisable to plan funerals and memorial services in advance. This can make it easier on families who are grieving. If you
RECONCILIATION OF A PENITENT
Reconciliation of a Penitent, also sometimes called confession, is the rite “in which those who repent of their sins may confess them to God in the presence of a priest, and receive the assurance of pardon and the grace of absolution.” (Book of Common Prayer, page 861.) This rite is available to all
MINISTRY WITH THE SICK (UNCTION)
Prayers for Healing with the laying on of hands is not something that is reserved only for the time of death (sometimes known as “Last Rites”); instead it is a sacramental rite offered by ministers of the church at any time healing is desired. At All Saints prayers for healing with the laying on
LITURGIES RELATED TO CHILDBEARING, CHILDBIRTH, AND LOSS
The Episcopal Church has numerous authorized liturgies for marking and honoring significant events around childbirth including: blessing of a pregnancy, mourning the loss of a pregnancy, or a rite of repentance and reconciliation for an abortion. These liturgies are often performed in smaller
MARRIAGE
CHRISTIAN MARRIAGE is a solemn and public covenant in the presence of God. The Episcopal Church requires that at least one of the parties to be married 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 or
CONFIRMATION, RECEPTION, REAFFIRMATION
Baptism initiates us into Christ’s One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church. And those who have been 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. This form of initiation into the Episcopal Church takes place
BAPTISM
“Holy Baptism is full initiation by water and the Holy Spirit into Christ’s Body the Church”. (Book of Common Prayer, page 298.) The Episcopal Church recognizes infant baptism. All baptisms are conducted as part of regular church services. “Holy Baptism is appropriately administered within the