Baptism
“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.” -BCP, Page 298
At St. James’, Baptism is a wonderful time of joy and celebration. We are excited to welcome, with our unique flair and style, all who choose to be baptized into Christ body the Church. We are honored to be a place where many people choose to become baptized members of the church. We take our responsibility as the gathered body of Christ to support and raise in Christ those who choose to seek and grow in Christ through baptism at St. James’. While we offer baptism during the traditional four times a year, Easter Vigil, Day of Pentecost, All Saints Sunday, and on the Feast of the Baptism of our Lord (also know as the first Sunday of Epiphany), we are open to offering baptisms during other Sundays that are appropriate throughout the church year. If you have additional questions about baptism, please fell free to contact the office and schedule an appointment with the clergy.
Confirmation
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.
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.
Confirmation at St. James’ coincides with the annual visit from one of our Bishops in the Diocese of Texas. Confirmation is preceded by a 5-week, one hour a week class on the teachings of the Episcopal Church and the culture of St. James’ Episcopal. Our confirmations for 2012 will take place on Sunday, March 11 2012. Bishop Dena Harrison will be our bishop on that Sunday. Our confirmation classes will start on February 5th, 2012 at 9 am. For additional questions and information, please contact the office.
Weddings
The Celebration and Blessing of a Marriage is an exiting time in the life of a couple and their friends and family. The clergy at St. James’ welcome all those who are associated with St. James’ to discuss the possibilities of presiding at the Celebration and Blessing of their marriage. We preside over Christian marriages at St. James’. “Christian marriage is a solemn and public covenant between couples in the presence of God.”(BCP, page 422) St. James’ is excited and honored to support its members as they say their vows before God to one another in the presence of our congregation.
“In the Episcopal Church it is required that one, at least, of the parties must be a baptized Christian; that the ceremony be attested by at least two witnesses; and that the marriage conform to the laws of the State and the canons of this Church. “ -BCP, Page 422
Funerals
At St. James’ Episcopal Church we honor those who have died by celebrating their life. Our liturgy is an Easter liturgy, which reflects that we believe those who have died are with God. We believe that though our love ones have succumbed to death, death does not win because of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Jesus refused to give death the last word by rising to life again after three days in the grave on Easter Sunday. The clergy at St. James’ are humbled by the responsibility of reminding the families of those who have died that nothing separates their loved ones from the Love of God, not even death. (Romans 8:38) If you have any questions about funeral services at St. James’, please contact the office and schedule an appointment with the clergy.
Thanksgiving for the Diversity of Races and Cultures
O God, who created all peoples in your image, we thank you for the wonderful diversity of races and cultures in this world. Enrich our lives by ever-widening circles of fellowship, and show us your presence in those who differ most from us, until our knowledge of your love is made perfect in our love for all your children; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. –BCP Page 840
