Baptisms, Weddings and Funerals
DATES FOR HOLY BAPTISM:
Easter Vigil, March 22, 2008
Pentecost, May 11, 2008
Sunday after All Saints Day, November 2, 2008
Baptism of our Lord, January 11, 2009
Holy Baptism is one of the two great sacraments of the church instituted by our Lord Jesus Christ. Through water and the Holy Spirit, it is full initiation into the body of Christ, the Church.
Baptisms normally will be scheduled during public worship and should be arranged with the church office at least a month prior to the date of Baptism. The Clergy will meet with families for instruction. We offer these dates now so that you can arrange with members of families who must travel so that they can be here for the special occasion. Of course, family or personal circumstances may require still other dates for baptism. Arrangements can be made with the Rector.
Emergency baptisms may be done by any baptized person by baptizing with water "in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit."
MARRIAGE
Christian marriage, a sacramental rite of the church, is intended to be a lifelong union of heart, body, and mind in accordance with the purpose for which it was instituted by God. It is advisable to contact the church as early as possible during the planning for this happy occasion. One member of the couple is required to be a baptized Christian. Please contact a member of the clergy to discuss your wedding and to arrange for pre-marital counseling.
DEATH IN THE FAMILY
The period following the death of a loved one is a difficult and painful time. Upon the death of a loved one, families are encouraged to contact the Clergy concerning funeral arrangements. Funerals are normally conducted in the Church unless there are unusual circumstances.
CHRIST CHURCH COLUMBARIUM
Since cremation is an accepted practice of the Church and is being increasingly used in large cities, and since interment in or near the church building is a long established practice, and since this means of interment assures reasonable burial costs, the Columbarium (Latin: dove cote) was built in Christ Church.
Each niche is capable of accommodating two suitable urns. Niches are faced with a slate tablet on which the names of the deceased persons and the years of birth and death may be placed.
Rules and regulations for the use of the Columbarium have been established by the Vestry of Christ Church. The cost of a niche, an urn, the nameplate, and opening and closing of the niche is $500.00 for each use. Please contact the church office for additional information.