Please contact the Rector to arrange any of the following ceremonies:
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. (The Book of Common Prayer, p. 298)
Baptism is the central and defining rite of what it means to be a Christian. After preparation, each candidate is presented to the congregation by a sponsor or godparent. Candidates are asked to renounce evil in all its forms and to repent of their sins. Then they are asked:
After candidates respond affirmatively to these questions, the baptismal service continues with the whole congregation's vow to support those being baptized in their life in Christ. Then both candidates and congregation affirm their own baptisms through the Baptismal Covenant. After prayers for the candidates and the blessing of the water, the candidate is baptized with water in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit and received into the household of God.
Because the sacrament of Baptism is so central to our life together as Christians, it is reserved for those who have made a commitment to participate in the life of the parish of All Saints' Church.
We do allow the baptism of infants and small children. In these cases it is the parents, with the support of the godparents, who will say the vows for their children. They also solemnly swear to the congregation that they will take responsibility for seeing that the child they present is brought up in the Christian faith and life. Furthermore, they swear that through their prayers and witness, they will help their child grow into the full stature of Christ. We do require that the parents are active participants in the life of this parish or, in special circumstances, of another parish.
At All Saints Church, Holy Baptism is almost always celebrated at the principle service on Sunday morning or on appropriate High Feast Days.
Please contact the Rector for more information or to begin the preparations and to schedule baptism.
Confirmation is the rite in which we express a mature commitment to Christ and receive strength from the Holy Spirit through prayer and the laying on of hands by a bishop. It is required of those to be confirmed – per The Book of Commom Prayer p. 860 – that they:
Reception is the rite of being received into the Episcopal Church for those who have been baptized and confirmed in another Christian denomination.
We offer classes for youth seeking confirmation in the fall concluding with the Deanery Confirmation service in the Easter Season. Candidates for confirmation must in the 8th grade or higher, active participants in the parish and attend the classes.
Please contact the Rector for more information.
Adult Confirmation & Reception Preparation is less formally structured. It consists of participation in Adult Formation programs as well as occasional meetings with the other candidates and the Rector. We try to tailor the program to the needs of those participating.
Please contact the Rector for more information.
Joining of a couple together in the eyes of God (and the state of Massachusetts too).
Please contact the Rector for more information.
Celebrate the life of one who has passed on.
Please contact the Rector for more information.