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Other Services
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Holy Baptism is often administered on designated feast days. Baptisms are always conducted in the presence of the full congregation, usually during the Sunday Eucharist Service, unless there is an emergency or some valid pastoral reason for performing a private baptism. While we normally practice infant baptism we do also provide the same rite for adults who are not yet baptized and who wish to belong to the Faith. Confirmation is conducted by the Bishop during his annual visitation. In the presence of the Bishop, young and older adults affirm their Baptismal vows for themselves and become adults in the Faith. The Service of Reception is also conducted by the Bishop during the Service of Confirmation. In the Bishop's presence persons originally baptized and confirmed in other catholic traditions reaffirm their Baptismal vows as adults and are received into the Episcopal Church. Those who wish to be married at Holy Spirit Episcopal Church should contact the office at least six months in advance of the date of marriage. This is necessary to allow a proper amount of time for the required pre-marital counseling and to ensure the availability of the church and its hall. In the case of funerals it is obvious that they cannot be scheduled far in advance. The Vicar is always available on short notice as needed. It is, however, critical that the family discusses the details with the office prior to making other arrangements since there are particular guidelines to be followed in all Episcopal churches. It is also possible to discuss one's wishes in advance so that the Vicar can better guide the newly bereaved in planning services. |
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