Sacramental Ministry
or: “When to Call Your Priest”
  
 

General -
Of course, clergy welcome your calls at any time of concern, but here are specific suggestions. Call a priest about baptism, confirmation, marriage, blessing of a civil marriage, thanksgiving for birth or adoption of a child, reconciliation of a penitent, administration to the sick, or at a time of illness or death. Couples having marital difficulties should seek the counsel of a priest. It is likewise important to seek clergy support when in personal or spiritual distress. The priest can often help in locating additional sources of support, both within and outside the church. If the decision to call is one you are not sure of, by all means, call. Even if you do not want a visit or to make an appointment, your priests need to know how they should be praying for you.

Baptism -
is the sacramental initiation into the life of the church and the means whereby a person is made a member of the Body of Christ. It is also the time the congregation vows to “support a person's new life in Christ.” It therefore follows that the initiation should take place at a public service, preferably in the congregation that pledges its support. In the case of grandparents who wish to baptize in the congregation a grandchild who lives in another town, we require that the parent(s) have a relationship with another church so that there will be local clergy follow-up after the baptism.

First Communion -
training is an intermediate step to prepare children age 5-7 years for receiving Holy Communion.

Confirmation -
is the sacramental anointing and laying-on-of-apostolic hands. It is also the affirmation by an adult of the vows made for him/her by parents and godparents. At Holy Apostles we have an adult inquirers/confirmation class beginning in September and one in beginning in January and running for 12-14 weeks. There is a separate young adult class for those in the 7th grade and older for the six months prior to the Bishop's annual visit.

Confession -
The Sacrament of Penance is available at announced times, usually during Advent and Lent. That does not mean it is not available at any other time. If your rule of life requires you to make your confession more frequently, or if you find yourself burdened by guilt about some matter, you should call and schedule a time to speak with a priest. It may well be that a sacramental confession is in order. He can help you with your preparation. Confidentiality is certain. In the Episcopal Church the seal of the Confessional is absolute.

Unction -
is the sacramental anointing and laying-on-of-hands for healing. Unction is always available after the Sunday Masses. Just go to the Altar Rail immediately following the service and a priest will meet you there for anointing and prayer. Any time you are sick, and especially when you are hospitalized, the rector should be notified. Even if you do not desire a visit, certainly, prayers for your situation may be offered. If you would like a visit, he will be glad to come and bring you Communion in addition to anointing you for healing.

Holy Matrimony -
As with baptism, we require that couples be members of this church, plan to be members, or be members of some other Episcopal Church. We also follow the requirement of Canon Law to give pre-marital instruction to the couple. This can take place here or with the home rector. An absolute minimum of 30 days lead-time must be observed when planning a wedding. Any time there serious marital problems it is a good time to call your priest. He is charged with working for preservation of the marital union.

Death and Burial -
All parishioners who have not already made plans for their own burial or memorial service should do so by contacting the rector and obtaining burial instruction forms. These forms are kept on file and are consulted following a person's death. It is a good idea to make a will and living will and to make arrangements with a mortician. At that time decisions can be made regarding burial or cremation. Holy Apostles has a columbarium available in the garth for those who desire cremation and wish to have their cremains kept in a personal niche. All of these preparations may seem lugubrious, but they actually bring peace of mind to the one who will die one day. The survivors will also give thanks for being able to provide what their loved one wants. Have you remembered the Church in your will?