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BaptismBaptism is the ceremonial rite of initiation into the Christian faith, the sacrament of entering the fold of Jesus Christ and of commitment to a life of discipleship within the Church. We welcome both children and adults to be baptized. If you are interested in learning more about baptism, or arranging for a baptism, please contact the clergy and agree on a time to meet and discuss the topic. Because Saints James and Andrew values community, we baptize those who intend to be active members of the parish and take seriously the vows of the Baptismal Covenant as found in the 1979 Book of Common Prayer.
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Confirmation
Confirmation is offered by the prayer of bishops in a special worship service of Confirmation scheduled every two years. Confirmation is the strengthening of the baptized for a life in full communion with the Church and for service in the Church and in the world when each has reached an age of maturity and has received instruction. The act of Confirmation consists in the presentation of individuals to a Bishop of the Episcopal Church by a member of the clergy in a service of Holy Eucharist and the Bishop’s prayer for that person by the laying on of hands. Confirmation in the Church presumes prior baptism. For those seeking to be confirmed, a process of education and self-reflection is required. The clergy of Saints James and Andrews offers Inquirers’ Classes for this purpose and meets with individual candidates as part of the process. If you are interested in confirmation, please contact the clergy.
Reception
The Episcopal Church is pleased to receive confirmed members of other Christian churches into the full communion of the Episcopal Church, when such folks desire to do so. Reception is not re-confirmation but the welcoming of previously confirmed persons from other Christian traditions into a life-commitment to the Episcopal fold. It is similar to Confirmation only in that it must be carried out by a Bishop of the Episcopal Church and is usually done in the context of a service of Confirmation.The act of Reception consists in the presentation of individuals to the Bishop by a member of the clergy in a service of Holy Eucharist and the Bishop’s prayer for and welcome of that person. Reception in the Church presumes prior Confirmation. For adults seeking to be received into the Episcopal Church a process of education and self-reflection is also required. The clergy of Saints James and Andrews offers Inquirers’ Classes for this purpose and meets with individual candidates as part of the process. If you are interested in confirmation, please contact the the clergy.