Baptism

By Baptism, we are joined to Christ in his death and resurrection and made members of his body the Church . A period of preparation, decided on by the candidate and the priest, precedes baptism of adults. Parents of infants or children will discuss the service and its meanings before hand as well. Christ Church , as do most Episcopal Churches, regularly celebrates Baptism as part of a Sunday service, with the congregation present. Adults are often baptized at the Easter Vigil, a liturgy held on the evening before Easter Day. A copy of the baptismal rite can be found here If you are considering baptism, the parish priest would be happy to meet with you to discuss it. Any number of other resources, including a number of books in the Undercroft bookstore are available for anyone thinking about being baptized.

 

Confirmation and Reception into the Episcopal Church

The sacrament of Confirmation provides a means by which those baptized as infants or children can publicly affirm the baptismal vows and by which the grace of the Holy Spirit is given to support the person. For others, it is the rite by which they make commitment to live as members of the Anglican Communion. Young people are usually prepared by a series of classes and are most often confirmed at some point after 7th grade. Those who have been confirmed by bishops in apostolic orders who are joining the Episcopal Church are not confirmed, but rather received by the Bishop. Confirmation and Reception is offered each spring, at a joint service with other area parishes.

 

Weddings

"Dearly beloved." so begins the Prayer Book's liturgy for the celebration and blessing of a marriage. It goes on to state the intentions of God for marriage and asks for the couple's whole hearted and free consent. The text of the liturgy may be found here.  Christ Church 's liturgy and building makes it an ideal setting for a wedding of great beauty and depth. Couples interested in being married should contact the parish priest. There will be a series of conversations before hand both to plan the service and to explore a Christian understanding of marriage. The Episcopal Church is open to the re-marriage of divorced persons, but it does require requesting the permission of the Bishop. To be married in the Episcopal Church, one of the couple has to be a baptized Christian (regardless of tradition).

 

Private Confession

Drawing on the Prayer Book's provision and the Church's tradition, Christ Church regularly offers sacramental confession. Hours are usually posted , and an appointment may be by contacting the parish office. Confessions may be heard in the Confessional in the rear of the nave, or in conversation with the priest. In this rite, one is given the opportunity to name all that weighs on the conscience and receive counsel direction and comfort as well as absolution. For some, it is a regular discipline, for others, it is a resource in particular need. It is available to all, but required of no one.

 

Pastoral Care

The parish priest is available for counsel and guidance, and is happy to make visits at time of particular need. You may make an appointment with the priest by calling the parish office or by email. We encourage you to let us know if you are facing hospitalization or any other particular crisis. In addition to the priest, there are lay people and seminarians who are trained and prepared to make hospital visits (and distribute Holy Communion). Please let us know how we might be of help.  

 

Anointing for Healing and Visitations to the Sick

Anointing with holy oil and laying on of hands, with prayers for healing, is offered weekly at the Thursday evening Mass. Those who wish to receive, come to the rail at the priest’s invitation. If you wish to state your particular need, you are welcome to do so, otherwise the priest will simply continue with the anointing and prayer. The parish priest and lay people trained to do so are happy to make visits to the hospital, nursing home, or private home to pray with those who are ill and to deliver Holy Communion to those who are in the hospital or homebound. Please call the parish office at (203) 865-6354 or email at ccmail@christchurchnh.org for a visitation.

Last Rites

If a friend or loved one is seriously ill and at the point of death (or possibly near death), a priest will be available to visit, pray, offer anointing, hear one's confession, administer Holy Communion, and comfort the family and friends present. Contact the parish at 865-6354, as soon as possible when calling for one near death, and, if prompted by the phone message, choose the option :" emergency," ext.11.

 

Funerals

The burial rites of the Church provide a means by which friends and family can acknowledge faith and hope in the midst of loss, and a means by which we can commend those we love to God's keeping. There is not really a typical pattern these days, but most often the funeral service is a Requiem Mass, offered with the body or ashes present. At the end of the Mass, prayers are said over the body or ashes, and internment follows. The parish offers internment for ashes in the Garden. The texts of the burial rites can be found here. It is possible, and encouraged, to make plans for ones own burial, and the parish priest would be happy to work with you on such plans.