Staff Welcome Ministries Photo Gallery Home
St. Matthew's Episcopal Church
SACRAMENTS
The Episcopal Church recognizes and provides for infant baptism and for baptism of any person who desires to become a Christian. At St. Matthew’s we keep with the traditional dates in the life of the church through the centuries - Easter, the day of Pentecost, All Saint's Day or the Sunday after All Saint's Day and typically occurs at our 10 am service. Baptismal instruction for children are provided. Please check with the churches administration assistant for specific dates.
Confirmation into the Episcopal Church is a rite in which one expresses a “mature commitment to Christ” and receives “strength from the Holy Spirit through prayer and the laying on of hands by a bishop.” Those interested in confirmation can be instructed in the Christian faith through an Inquirer’s Class which is offered at St. Matthew’s starting in January.
Arrangements for a funeral or memorial service may be made by calling the church office or contacting the clergy.
The Sacrament of Holy Matrimony is both a joyous and solemn occasion during which vows are made before God and the company gathered in the church. Those interested in having their marriage blessed by entering into this sacrament are asked to speak with the clergy at least six months prior to their marriage to arrange a suitable date and schedule premarital counseling. Wedding information packets are available upon request from the church office.
Reconciliation of a Penitent (Confession)
Reconciliation of a Penitent or Penance, or Confession is the rite in which those who repent of their sins may confess them to God in the presence of a priest and receive the assurance of pardon and the grace of absolution. 'All may and none must’ make a confession is the standard of the Episcopal Church. Many prefer to make confessions during penitential seasons, such as Lent or Advent. Please talk privately with a member of the St. Matthew's clergy for further information or to set up an appointment.
Holy Unction (anointing) and the Laying on of Hands for Healing are available to those who are about to enter the hospital, those who have been admitted in emergency, and those who are ill at home. Please call the office to advise the clergy. If a parishioner is near death, the clergy should be called at any hour of the day or night, to administer Holy Communion, absolution or last rites, if desired.