Baptisms, Confirmations, Weddings, Funerals

Celebration of Life's Passages

A Christian life is marked by celebrations of faith and community.  Along with Holy Communion, the Episcopal Church recognizes the following rites as important markers on your path.

Baptism

We welcome your interest in Holy Baptism at Christ Church, whether for yourself, your child, or your infant.  Because Holy Baptism is full initiation into the Christian faith and the Church, it is expected that those to be baptized continue actively to participate in the life of the Church.

For more details about baptism at Christ Church click here.

Preparation for baptism includes meeting with the rector to discuss Holy Baptism, its meaning, and the role of sponsors or godparents.  Please call the office at (203) 938-2872 to further explore your questions and hopes for Holy Baptism.

 

Confirmation, Reception, and Reaffirmation

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Confirmation is a way that teens and adults may “make a public affirmation of their faith and commitment to the responsibilities” of their Baptism, and receive the laying on of hands by the bishop” (BCP, p. 412).  It essentially involves the person affirming the promises made for her or him at the time of baptism.  The Confirmand essentially says, “Yes, I want to live the life of a Christian!”

Youth Confirmation at Christ Church typically takes place in the high school years.  If you would like information about the next teen Confirmation program, please contact the office.  For more information about Confirmation for teens and adults click here.

Reception into the Anglican Communion is for adults who have been confirmed in the Roman Catholic, Lutheran, or Orthodox traditions and who would like to transfer their membership to the Episcopal Church. 

Reaffirmation of Faith is available to all who would like to renew their faith publicly in a sacred rite. You may reaffirm your faith any number of times.

 

Weddings

In Holy Matrimony a couple commit themselves to a lifelong union “in heart, body, and mind… intended by God for their mutual joy; for the help and comfort given one another in prosperity and adversity; and, when it is God’s will, for the procreation of children and their nurture in the knowledge and love of the Lord.”  Marriage is a sacrament that the couple administer to each other; it is an outward and visible sign of an inward and spiritual grace.  The sacramental nature of marriage involves infinitely more than the wedding ceremony in which a marriage is solemnized.  “Therefore marriage is not to be entered into unadvisedly or lightly, but reverently, deliberately, and in accordance with the purposes for which it was instituted by God.”  (Book of Common Prayer, p. 423)

For more information about the sacrament of Holy Matrimony at Christ Church click here.

Please call the office at (203) 938-2872 to learn more about weddings at Christ Church.  We look forward to answering your questions and assisting you in planning a wedding day that expresses beautifully and clearly the love and aspirations you share as you begin a lifelong marriage.

 

Memorial Services and Funerals

When a loved one dies, Christ Church is here to support and comfort family and friends and to help plan a service of celebration of life in witness to our assurance that life will continue in God’s presence after bodily death.  In October, 2017 we opened a new and beautifully landscaped Memorial Garden on church property.  More information can be found about our Garden by contacting the office at 203-938-2872.

For more information about funerals and memorial services click here.