Pastoral Information

HOLY BAPTISM
Holy Baptism is the full initiation, by water and the Holy Spirit, into Christ’s body, the church. The bond, which God establishes, is indissoluble. Children in a Christian family are to be baptized, since, just as we grow and mature physically in a family, we also grow and mature spiritually in the church. Each candidate for baptism is to be sponsored by one or more baptized persons.

Sponsors for infants, called godparents, make promises on behalf of the child, care for the child’s spiritual upbringing, and, in time, will present them for confirmation.

Instruction for parents or guardians and sponsors before the baptism is mandatory. (Book of Common Prayer [BCP] p. 299.)

HOLY COMMUNION
“Do this in remembrance of me . . . ” is the central expression of our life in Christ. Though its significance is without equal, access to the Eucharist is not lightly denied.

Children may receive communion. Also, as approved by the General Convention in 1979, all baptized Christians may receive when visiting. Those who wish to receive should properly prepare by prayer, self-examination, and a fast of one hour at a minimum. A day’s fast—giving up food entirely (health permitting)—is mandatory on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. (BCP p. 17.)

CONFIRMATION AND RECEPTION
Baptized persons who are 16 years old or older are urged to make their mature commitment to the Christian life by receiving the sacrament of Confirmation. They will take a course of study and preparation with sponsors who will present them to the Bishop for Confirmation. Persons who have been confirmed in another communion who desire to accept the discipline and doctrine of the Episcopal Church are likewise instructed, sponsored, and presented to the Bishop who “receives” them into this branch of the Holy Catholic Church. (BCP pp. 413, 418.)

This service is held when the Bishop makes his visitation to the parish. Those who have already been confirmed may renew their confirmation vows at the same time.

MEMBERSHIP
All baptized persons whose baptism is duly entered in the Parish Register are members of the church. Those over 16 years of age are considered adult members. Persons relocating should request a “letter of transfer” from their former parish. By Canon, a person is in “good standing,” and thus able to vote in parish meetings, who 1) is listed in the Parish Register, 2) receives communion regularly, and 3) contributes to the support of the parish.

PASTORAL MINISTRY
Father Hector is always available for counsel and ministry. Should matters arise beyond his ability, he will recommend other counselors.

Confessions (BCP p. 447) are heard by appointment.

LAY MINISTRY
The work of the church, although focused and empowered through its worship, is accomplished through the lives of its members throughout the world. Every person has a personal ministry. Some ministries are found in the life of the parish, but most are found in daily life, making Christ known in all that we do.

MINISTRY TO THE ILL
Father Hector desires to be notified in all cases of serious illness and hospitalization. He will offer the sick person Holy Unction (BCP p. 456), the anointing with blessed oil that is the ancient healing sacrament, and also bring Holy Communion to the bedside.

Prayers for healing are offered at the altar each Sunday.

HOLY MATRIMONY
Christian Marriage is a solemn and public covenant between a man and a woman in the presence of God. One of the parties must be baptized, and both must fully accept the vows set forth in the service. (BCP p. 423.) By Canon Law, Father Hector must be notified thirty days before the intended date, and he may decline any request.

The Book of Common Prayer will be used for the service. All arrangements must be approved by Father Hector, including such matters as flowers, music, photography, and video recording. A rehearsal for the wedding party is required.

If either party has received a civil divorce, and if the former spouse is still living, a judgment must be received from the Bishop to allow the marriage to be performed. No announcements should be made until the judgment is received.

DEATH AND BURIAL
When death is near, Father Hector should be notified at once, regardless of the hour, so that the dying person may receive Communion and Unction, and loved ones may receive the ministry of the church.

Grief and the sense of loss are real and must be recognized as a part of ongoing life, and not dismissed. Thus, the burial should be from the church, and the Eucharist properly celebrated. For the service, the casket is always closed and covered with a pall or national flag.

Father Hector is always available to consult with the funeral director. The Episcopal Church does not object to cremation or the donation of organs. The Book of Common Prayer encourages all to execute a proper will. (BCP p. 445.)