THE SACRAMENTS

HOLY BAPTISM

Baptism is initiation by water and the Holy Spirit into the body of Christ. We typically offer baptisms four times a year during our 8:00 A.M. and 10:30 AM Sunday services. The typical dates of Baptism are the Sunday after All Saints’ Day (first Sunday in November), Baptism of Christ (usually the second Sunday in January), during the Easter Vigil (Saturday evening, before Easter), and Pentecost (usually in June).

We baptize adults who have been prepared through our baptismal instruction. We baptize infants whose parents are baptized Christians and have taken the baptism instruction. When infants or young children are baptized, their parents and godparents make promises on their behalf, being raised at home and church, and in the knowledge and love of our Lord Jesus Christ. Those who are baptized must have at least one sponsor (commonly called godparents for children, who, if possible, should attend the preparation class). We ask that anyone seeking baptism attends at least two services before the baptism, to familiarize themselves with the Episcopal service.

To sign up for our baptismal instruction, please contact the parish office. Download the Baptismal Registration Form here, and return to the parish office.

For questions about what baptism means, how to prepare, and other questions, please contact the parish office.
 

LIFE EVENTS

FIRST HOLY COMMUNION

We believe that any baptized person, regardless of age, may receive Communion. We expect that parents and godparents will decide for their child(ren) when and how the children will receive Communion. We recognize that some teaching about the meaning and practice of Communion is appreciated. Several times a year, we offer a one-time class on receiving Communion.

For questions about First Holy Communion, please contact our parish office.
 

CONFIRMATION

Confirmation is a sacramental rite by which persons baptized as infants take on the promises of the Baptismal Covenant for themselves in the community of faith, symbolized by the laying on of hands by the Bishop. Typically, Confirmation is offered annually as a part of regional celebrations with our Bishop.

Confirmation is offered for students in 8th grade and up. In addition, at Confirmation Celebrations, those children or adults confirmed in other traditions may be received into the Episcopal Church. A confirmation class is required for all youth and adults wishing to be received and is offered each year.

For youth, there is an extended time of preparation. Classes typically start in September and vary in length, depending on class size.

If you have any questions or if you or your child would like to be confirmed or received, please contact our parish office.

MARRIAGE (HOLY MATRIMONY)

Christian marriage is a solemn and public covenant between two persons in the presence of God.

St. Paul’s is an open and affirming congregation.

To be married at St. Paul’s, at least one member of the couple must be a baptized Christian and at least one family member must be a member of the parish; the ceremony must be attested to by at least two witnesses; and the marriage must conform to the laws of the State and the canons of the Episcopal Church. All couples are required to undergo a Marriage Preparation Class. This course involves at least three meetings with clergy. If one or both people are previously divorced, permission from the Bishop of Newark is required.

For information about fees, wedding policies, and any other matters about weddings at St. Paul’s, please see our Wedding Guidebook: Weddings at St. Paul’s.

Download the Marriage Registration Form, and return to the parish office.

For questions about weddings, please contact our office.
 

BURIAL OF THE DEAD (FUNERALS)

Funerals in the Episcopal Church are filled with Scriptures that point to the great hope we have in the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. Our burial liturgy provides powerful and hopeful words that provide great comfort in a time of grief. Our altar guild, music staff, and clergy are committed to helping families through the difficult time following a loved one’s death.

The death of a member of the parish should be reported as soon as possible, and arrangements for the funeral should be made in consultation with the parish office. If desired, the service should be held at a time when the congregation can be present.

For information on funerals, or funeral planning, please call the parish office at 201-568-3276.

(Please note: if a family member or friend is near death, please notify the parish office as soon as possible, so we can arrange for clergy to visit with the family and the person approaching death).
 

OTHER SACRAMENTAL RITES

RITE OF RECONCILIATION OF THE PENITENT (CONFESSION)

The ministry of reconciliation, which has been committed by Christ to his Church, is exercised through the care each Christian has for others, through the common prayer of Christians assembled for public worship, and through the priesthood of Christ and his ministers declaring absolution.

The Reconciliation of a Penitent is available for all who desire it. It is not restricted to times of sickness. Confessions may be heard anytime and anywhere.

Confession or the Rite of Reconciliation is encouraged during Lent but is not required.

If you wish to receive the rite, please contact the office to schedule a time.
 

MINISTRATION TO THE SICK (UNCTION OR PRAYER FOR THE SICK)

Ministration to the Sick are prayers and (if desired) anointing with blessed oil for those experiencing illness, struggle, or hardship. It is a way to recognize God’s abiding presence, even in times of difficulty, and to ask God for continued strength and perseverance in all our struggles.

If you, or a loved one, becomes ill or wishes to receive prayer or anointing, please contact the parish office, so we can schedule a clergy visit.
 

MINISTRATION AT THE TIME OF DEATH (EXTREME UNCTION OR LAST RITES)

Ministration at the Time of Death are prayers to prepare those who are near death or about to die. It begins the Burial liturgy with a “giving back” of our loved one into God’s care. It involves reading scripture, prayers, and Holy Communion. There is no limit to the number of times Last Rites can be observed and the ministers of St. Paul’s would be glad to offer the rite whenever necessary or requested.

If you, or a loved one, is close to dying (or concerned about dying), please contact the parish office so we can contact clergy to help you.