Sacraments at St. Francis
The Episcopal Church has a deep tradition of celebrating life events in our worship. From birth to death, God travels with each of us. Throughout life, we are provided with opportunities to come closer to God in the sacraments, outward and visible signs of inward and spiritual grace, given by Christ as sure and certain means for receiving God’s grace. We would love to support you in your journey and share these sacred moments with you.
Baptism
Holy Baptism is full initiation by water and the Holy Spirit into Christ’s body, the church. It is a public statement of one’s intentional decision to follow the way of Jesus, or in the case of infant baptism, the parents’ intent to raise a child in the way of Jesus. Baptism is open to all people, regardless of age or background, and happens in the context of our Sunday morning worship, with advance preparation.
Weddings
Holy Matrimony is the sacrament by which two people enter into a lifelong union, making vows before God and the Church. A Christian marriage implies a belief that faith will play an important role in your relationship. Couples are prepared through a series of conversations with the clergy to explore the Christian understanding of marriage and to plan the service.
Weddings at St. Francis are open to both opposite and same gender couples. The Episcopal Church is also open to the remarriage of divorced persons, but it does require requesting the permission of the Bishop. For specific marriage policies, please visit this page.
Funerals and Celebrations of Life
As Christians we know that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, not height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:38-39) But this does not make our grief unchristian. The very love we have for each other in Christ brings deep sorrow when we are parted by death.
Christian burial is an act of corporate worship, rather than a private affair. It is a time to celebrate, commemorate and give thanks for the life of the departed. A funeral takes place within days following death, typically with a closed casket or urn present. A memorial service, in which remains are not present, may take place at any time suitable for the bereaved. A committal service takes place at a cemetery or columbarium, and may follow a funeral or take place separately.
Please contact the Rector to plan your service, or for more information about the St Francis Memorial Garden.
