Holy Baptism
Holy Baptism is full initiation by water and the Holy Spirit into Christ's Body the Church. The bond which God establishes in Baptism is indissoluble. Holy Baptism is appropriately administered within the Eucharist as the chief service on a Sunday or other feast. Holy Baptism is especially appropriate at the Easter vigil, on the Day of Pentecost, on All Saints' Sunday, and on the Feast of the Baptism of Our Lord. Each candidate for Holy Baptism is to be sponsored by one or more baptized persons. Sponsors of adults and older children present their candidates and thereby signify their endorsement of the candidates and their intention to support them by prayers and example in their Christian life. Sponsors of infants, commonly called godparents, present their candidates, make promises in their own names, and also take vows on behalf of their candidates. It is fitting that parents be included among the godparents of their own children. (from the Book of Common Prayer 1979)
Adult candidates and parents of infants for Holy Baptism should be regular in their attendance at the Holy Eucharist.
Adult candidates and parents and godparents of infants are required to attend a meeting with the Rector prior to the baptism. The meeting is intended to acquaint everyone with the service and to give some instruction in the meaning of Baptism. In the case of parents and godparents it includes their duties to help the new Christian grow in the knowledge and love of God, and in their responsibilities as members of his Church.
At least a month's notice is expected.
Adult candidates and parents of infants for Holy Baptism should be regular in their attendance at the Holy Eucharist.
Adult candidates and parents and godparents of infants are required to attend a meeting with the Rector prior to the baptism. The meeting is intended to acquaint everyone with the service and to give some instruction in the meaning of Baptism. In the case of parents and godparents it includes their duties to help the new Christian grow in the knowledge and love of God, and in their responsibilities as members of his Church.
At least a month's notice is expected.
Here is the exact text from the Book of Common Prayer (1979) pg. 299:
| baptism.pdf |
Marriage
All weddings at Saint James' Church are conducted under the fullest implications of this statement from the Book of Common Prayer (1979):
"Christian marriage is a solemn and public covenant between a man and a woman in the presence of God."
To uphold this statement, the following is a guide for those preparing for wedding at our Church.
"Christian marriage is a solemn and public covenant between a man and a woman in the presence of God."
To uphold this statement, the following is a guide for those preparing for wedding at our Church.
Weddings at Saint James':
The Service
A Christian marriage, blessed in the Church, includes the celebration of the Holy Eucharist as an integral part of that blessing. That the first food of which a man and a woman partake as husband and wife is the Holy Eucharist makes a significant statement regarding their seriousness in proclaiming Jesus as Lord of their life together.
Music
Although music is not necessary for a church wedding, most persons do choose to make music a part of the joyful celebration. By Canon, all music played in the Episcopal Church is to be suitable and enhancing to God's Word and the praise of God's name. The Rector will use his or her judgement to approve (or disapprove) all music that might be considered, in order to uphold this standard. The parish organist is the organist for all weddings and approves any substitutes. The couple to be married will meet with the parish organist for suggestions regarding service music (procession, recession, etc.). Show tunes and other popular music are appropriate at the reception, but usually not appropriate at the church. Professional musicians, both instrumental and vocal, can be used to complement the wedding music.
Church Property
Rice or bird seed is never to be thrown inside the church. The church asks that bird seed be used instead of rice, as it poses no harm to the birds who will hopefully clean up the 'mess' left behind. Additionally, no confetti is allowed inside or outside.
Flowers placed on the Altar should remain for Sunday worship as a sign of thanksgiving. Prompt removal of all other decorations (ribbons, pew bows, banners, flowers, etc.) is required.
Pre-Wedding Meetings
All couples desiring to be married normally meet with the Rector three to four times as required by the The Episcopal Church.
Photography and Video recording
The wedding service is an act of solemn worship before Almighty God; and it should never be interrupted by distracting flash photography. Accordingly, other than during the processional and the recessional, there should be no flash photography. The service may be video recorded but we ask that there is to be no distracting lighting.
Fees
Honorarium for the rector.......................................... 200
Church Organist........................................................... 150
If Church Organist to be present at rehearsal......... 100
Administrative expenses............................................. 100
(cleaning, candles, pre-wedding counciling materials, etc.)
Church use fee for non-members............................. 300
A check made payable to Saint James' Church Discretionary Fund will cover all expenses. Fee negotiation is always a possibility due to financial circumstances. Ask during the pre-wedding meetings.
*Payment for all fees due at the rehearsal.
Church Organist........................................................... 150
If Church Organist to be present at rehearsal......... 100
Administrative expenses............................................. 100
(cleaning, candles, pre-wedding counciling materials, etc.)
Church use fee for non-members............................. 300
A check made payable to Saint James' Church Discretionary Fund will cover all expenses. Fee negotiation is always a possibility due to financial circumstances. Ask during the pre-wedding meetings.
*Payment for all fees due at the rehearsal.
Church Attendance
The Canons of the Episcopal Church require that the Minister shall be certain that the couple understand that Holy Matrimony is a physical and spiritual union of a man and a woman, entered into within the communion of faith, by mutual consent of heart, mind and will, and with the intent that it be lifelong (Title I, Canon 18, Section 2(b)).
To this end, it is required that persons desiring to be married in Saint James’ Church shall become part of this faith community, or an Episcopal Church near to them, by regular attendance and participation in worship on the Lord’s Day.
Additional Notes
- Thirty days notice is required for all Marriages in order to provide proper time for the pre-wedding meetings.
- At least two witnesses are necessary at the ceremony. Either the bride or groom (or both) must be a baptized Christian.
- The Declaration of Consent required by The Episcopal Church is signed during a pre-wedding meeting.
- Marriages after divorce require the written consent of the Bishop of Rochester. After consultation with the Rector, the petition for the consent may be submitted. There is no fee.
- Other clergy may participate in the service after consultation with the Rector.
- Bring the marriage license, with a stamped envelope, to the wedding rehearsal. It is returned to the issuing municipality by the Rector after the wedding.
Here is the exact text from the Book of Common Prayer (1979), starting at pg. 422:
| marriage.pdf |