Holy Baptism
From the Book of Common Prayer
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“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.”
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Holy Baptism is the sacrament by which God adopts us as children and makes us members of Christ's Body, the Church, and inheritors of the kingdom of God. We are baptized with water, “in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit” and we are made in union with Christ in his death and resurrection, birth into God's
family the Church, forgiveness of sins, and new life in the Holy Spirit.
Weddings
From the Book of Common Prayer
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“Christian marriage is a solemn and public covenant between a man and a woman in the presence of God.”
Confirmation
From the Book of Common Prayer
“In the course of their Christian development, those baptized at an early age are expected, when they are ready and have been duly prepared, to make a mature public affirmation of their faith and commitment to the responsibilities of their Baptism and to receive the laying on of hands by the bishop.
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Those baptized as adults, unless baptized with laying on of hands by a bishop, are also expected to make a public affirmation of their faith and commitment to the responsibilities of their Baptism in the presence of a bishop and to receive the laying on of hands.”
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The sacrament of Confirmation gives young people and adults an the opportunity to make a mature profession of their faith in the God made known in Jesus Christ. Confirmation takes place at Christ Church during the Episcopal Parish Visitation by one of our bishops. In preparation for the sacrament, classes are held for those preparing for Confirmation, Reaffirmation of Baptismal Vows, and Reception into The Episcopal Church. These visits are scheduled by the Episcopal Church in Connecticut.
Thanksgiving for the Birth or Adoption of a Child
From the Book of Common Prayer
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“As soon as convenient after the birth of a child, or after receiving a child by adoption, the parents, with other members of the family, should come to the church to be welcomed by the congregation and to give thanks to Almighty God. It is desirable that this take place at a Sunday service. In the Eucharist it may follow the Prayers of the People preceding the Offertory. At Morning or Evening Prayer it may take place before the close of the Office. When desired, a briefer form of this service may be used, especially in the hospital or at home.”
If you or someone you love is welcoming a child, please contact Mother Cosman, via the church office at (860) 315-7780 or email her at clergy@christchurchpomfret.org.
Reconciliation of a Penitent - Confession
From the Book of Common Prayer
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“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 the church and its ministers declaring absolution.”
Ministration at Time of Death
From the Book of Common Prayer
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“When a person is near death, the Minister of the Congregation should be notified, in order that the ministrations of the Church may be provided.”
Contact Mother Cosman directly to arrange for a pastoral visit and the Ministration at Time of Death. Please do not leave a message on the parish telephone line or website.
In some traditions “Last Rites” by a priest are seen as a requirement of The Church. In the Episcopal Church the form for these ministrations can be found in the Book of Common Prayer page 462 and may be led by a lay person in the absence of a priest.
Funerals
From the Book of Common Prayer
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The liturgy for the dead is an Easter liturgy. It finds all its meaning in the resurrection. Because Jesus was raised from the dead, we, too, shall be raised. The liturgy, therefore, is characterized by joy, in the certainty that “neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor 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.” This joy, however, does not make human grief unchristian. The very love we have for each other in Christ brings deep sorrow when we are parted by death. Jesus himself wept at the grave of his friend. So, while we rejoice that one whom we love has entered into the nearer presence of our Lord, we sorrow in sympathy with those who mourn.
The death of a member of the Church should be reported as soon as possible to, and arrangements for the funeral should be made in consultation with, the Minister of the Congregation. Baptized Christians are properly buried from the church. The service should be held at a time when the congregation has opportunity to be present.