For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. — Romans 8.36
The Episcopal Church recognizes and provides for infant baptism and for baptism of any person who desires to become a Christian. At St. John’s we keep with the traditional dates in the life of the church through the centuries - Easter, the day of Pentecost, All Saint's Day or the Sunday after All Saint's Day, the Feast of the Baptism of our Lord (the first Sunday after the Epiphany) - and typically occurs at either the 8.30 or 10 am service. We also have baptisms on the Sundays of Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends. Baptismal instruction for children takes place on the Saturday morning preceding the scheduled Sunday service. Please check the children’s ministries section of our website for more information and the baptismal form.
St. John’s offers an annual Communion instruction class for young children led by Father Rol. The class runs for approximately five weeks and is open to children who are able to read. The intention is for our young children to receive communion at the rail with their families while having a basic understanding of the meaning of the sacrament.
Confirmation into the Episcopal Church is a rite in which one expresses a “mature commitment to Christ” and receives “strength from the Holy Spirit through prayer and the laying on of hands by a bishop.” Those interested in confirmation can be instructed in the Christian faith through an Inquirer’s Class which is offered at St. John’s starting in January. Confirmation at the hands of our Bishop, Rob O’Neill, occurs at a regional confirmation service.
Arrangements for a funeral or memorial service may be made by calling the church office or contacting the clergy. These services may be held in the church or chapel. If you would like to inquire about purchasing a space in our columbarium, please call the church office.
The Sacrament of Holy Matrimony is both a joyous and solemn occasion during which vows are made before God and the company gathered in the church. Those interested in having their marriage blessed by entering into this sacrament are asked to speak with the clergy at least six months prior to their marriage to arrange a suitable date and schedule premarital counseling. Wedding information packets are available upon request from the church office.
Reconciliation of a Penitent or Penance, or 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. 'All may and none must’ make a confession is the standard of the Episcopal Church. Many prefer to make confessions during penitential seasons, such as Lent or Advent. Please talk privately with a member of the St. John's clergy for further information or to set up an appointment.
Holy Unction (anointing) and the Laying on of Hands for Healing are available to those who are about to enter the hospital, those who have been admitted in emergency, and those who are ill at home. Please call the office to advise the clergy. If a parishioner is near death, the clergy should be called at any hour of the day or night, to administer Holy Communion, absolution or last rites, if desired.
