Baptism

One of the two holy acts mandated by Jesus (communion being the other), baptism is the beginning of an incredible journey of faith and discipleship. Baptism is the ritual of being washed by water in the name of God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Once baptized, you are adopted into a community of faith, and are encouraged to use your gifts, time and talents to participate in God’s work.

Baptism is beyond an individual act; it is a sign of the new relationship between God and all human beings. Baptized children should be brought up in the true knowledge of God and of what God has done for them, and be taught their need for repentance and faith, otherwise the fruits of the Spirit will not grow in them.

We offer baptism for children and adults.

Baptism Schedule

Baptism services are held on the following Sundays of the year at the 10:30 AM service:

Next Steps

The clergy conducts preparation for baptism. Starting in 2020, candidates for baptism and their families enrol in a three-month period of preparation. They not only engage the basics of the Christian faith, but also become immersed within the life of the Christian community, which will support them along this lifelong journey.

Please contact the church office for more information or complete the Baptism Form if you would like to be baptized or have your child baptized.

Confirmation

Confirmation is the act of affirming your faith and may be a key component of your journey of faith as a disciple of Jesus Christ. The service of confirmation enables you to uphold the promises that you made, or were made for you, at baptism. Through confirmation, you make these promises for yourself and commit your life to following Jesus. During the confirmation service, the bishop will lay his or her hands on your head and ask God’s Holy Spirit to give you the strength and commitment to live God’s way forever.

Next Steps

Preparation for confirmation entails participating in a course called “Christian Foundations: A Grounding for a Life of Faith” in addition to other activities intended to ground candidates in the life of the Church and the local worshipping community. Once you have completed your preparation, there will be a confirmation service where the bishop will administer confirmation.  

Please contact the church office for more information.

Weddings

Congratulations on this next chapter of your journey! We’re happy that you’re considering getting married at St. Stephen. Christian marriage celebrates the union of a couple in the context of their relationship with Christ and the whole Christian family. We look forward to working with you to make your wedding day a memorable one.

Next Steps

If you are considering Holy Matrimony at St. Stephen, please contact the church at least 90 days before the date you would like to get married. Please review the Marriage Preparation Package for more information.

Funerals

We are here to help you through this difficult time. The priest and family work together to arrange the service structure, readings, music, readers, prayer leaders, etc. The clergy of St. Stephen are available to conduct funeral services at the parish or in chapels of area funeral homes.

Next Steps

Contact the church office for more information. Holy Unction (a sacrament administered through anointing) is available upon request for those facing grave illness and those whose death seems imminent.