We believe that the best instruction for children and adults in the Christian Faith, and our Episcopal expression of that faith, is participation in our Sunday worship services. You and your children are always welcome to join our services.
Adjacent to the church, in our Vestry House, we have a video connection of church services. This space provides an additional worship space for parents with children.
Baptism
According to our faith, we believe that Holy Baptism is full initiation by water and the Holy Spirit into Christ’s Body the Church. The bond which God establishes in Baptism is indissoluble. The Book of Common Prayer, from which we derive our Sunday liturgy and prayers, outlines our Baptismal procedures. According to our tradition, each candidate for Holy Baptism is to be sponsored by one or more baptized persons. Sponsors of adults and older children present their candidates and thereby signify their endorsement of the candidates and their intention to support them by prayer and example in their Christian life. Sponsors of infants, commonly called godparents, present candidates, make promises in their own names, and also take vows on behalf of their candidates. It is fitting that parents be included among the godparents of their own children. Parents and godparents are to be instructed in the meaning of Baptism, in their duties to help new Christians grow in the knowledge and love of God, and in their responsibilities as members of his Church. (BCP, p.298)
To learn more: http://www.stmaryanne.org/baptism-procedures/
Holy Communion
In the Episcopal Church, all baptized Christians can receive the Eucharist of bread and wine at the altar. In some faith traditions, children must wait to receive the Eucharist until they receive special instruction and participate in a “Holy Communion” service. Children in the Episcopal Church—Anglican Catholics—do not have that restriction. With that said, though, our clergy believe that baptized children should receive proper instruction before receiving communion at the altar for the first time.
Children learn about communion, first and foremost, by attending church and observing those at the altar. They will recognize the reverence at the altar as people kneel and place their hands to receive the Eucharist—and they will want to imitate and receive. When this happens, the stage is set for instruction. In combination with regular church attendance, parent participation at the Eucharist, and the Church School instruction, our youngsters begin to demonstrate when they are ready to receive the Eucharist.
Parents are encouraged to speak with the clergy when they feel that their child is ready to receive, so any questions can be addressed. When ready, clergy are happy to coordinate a special date when family and friends may want to take communion together as a family.
Church School
Church School classes are held during the first part of the 10:00AM service, but begins at 9:45AM so parents can be in the pew for the 10AM service start. Children will join their parents during the Peace segment of the service.
- Once a month a Family Service will occur during the later service time, and the children will be present—and participate—during the entire service. They will help as ushers, readers, and acolytes.
- As before, parents who do not want their children to participate in Church School, may continue to have their children quietly worship with them in their pew.