Baptisms, Weddings & Funerals

Baptisms

Baptism initiates us, through water and the Holy Spirit, into Christ’s body, the Church.

Infants and Children

Parents and Godparents meet with our priest several times before the baptism to prepare for the event and the family’s journey ahead. You will learn about the grace and love that God gives us at baptism as well as the role of parents and Godparents.

Because parents and Godparents make the promises of baptism on behalf of this beloved child, the preparation will involve examining their own faith and practices. Together they consider how they will support the child in their life in Christ, and learn how the resources of the church can help them in this work.

Adults

Adults considering baptism are encouraged to meet with the priest a few times to learn more about the meaning of the rite and reflect on their spiritual journey. If a person then decides to prepare for baptism, a plan for preparation will be set out, which will include the selection of sponsors within the parish — members of the church who can serve as companions on the journey ahead and share some of their own experience as Christians.

View the Baptism Application

Weddings

In the Episcopal Church, marriage is a sacrament between two people.

Congratulations on your plan to be married! We’d be delighted to host your marriage ceremony and/or reception. We hope that the time of preparation for your wedding and marriage is joyful and as stress-free as possible.

The guidelines provided in the link below are given to every couple inquiring about a wedding at Saint James to offer couples an initial understanding of what marriage and a wedding ceremony in an Episcopal church entails and what our own church’s particular procedures and policies are.

View the Wedding Customary