Pastoral Services 

What are Holy Sacraments? 

Our Book of Common Prayer defines a sacrament as an “outward and visible sign of an inward and spiritual grace, given by Christ as a sure and certain means by which we receive that grace,” (BCP, page 857).  In other words, they are freely offered signs of God’s love, given to us by our Lord at pivotal moments of our lives, in part to make us tangibly aware of his constant presence in our lives.  The Episcopal Church recognizes Baptism and the Eucharist as directly ordained by Christ in Holy Scripture and as essential marks of His Church.  Confirmation/Reception, Holy Matrimony, Ordination, Reconciliation and Unction are understood as sacramental rites which are helpful in deepening our spiritual lives and connections to God.  It is through these sacramental actions that we are especially aware of God’s continued action in His creation, seeking to intimately engage, redeem and bless our lives.

Holy Baptism

The Sacrament of Holy Baptism is celebrated according to the canons of the church and the rubrics of the Book of Common Prayer.  By Baptism, we become full members of the Body of Christ and His Church.  Baptisms are therefore part of the public worship of the church and are not performed privately but rather during one of the principal Sunday services.  It is expected that persons who are Baptized at Saint Peter’s will answer affirmatively the questions asked in the baptismal covenant, particularly concerning their participation in the life and ministry of this parish.  When we baptize infants and small children, it is expected that their parents and/or guardians will assist their children in regular attendance at worship and in the life of the congregation. 

 The Book of Common Prayer directs that it is especially appropriate for Holy Baptism to be performed at these feasts: The Baptism of our Lord, The Great Vigil and Easter, Pentecost Sunday, and All Saints Sunday.  It is also appropriate to celebrate Baptism at the visitation of our Bishop.  In addition to the dates listed above, a baptism may also be scheduled on other  Sundays of any month other than those listed above.  Except in the case of extreme emergency, baptisms will not be performed in the season of Lent.

 Before the Baptism is celebrated there is always instruction for the individual and/or parents.  Godparents are also strongly urged to be participants in this instruction.  If you wish to be baptized or to have your child baptized, please speak with Fr. Ross.  There are no fees for Baptisms.

Confirmation and Reception

Confirmation is a pastoral rite in which a mature person, who was baptized as an infant or young child, reaffirms his or her baptismal vows with a blessing and laying on of hands by the Bishop.  Reception is a similar rite in which a Christian, who has been baptized as an adult in another tradition, is received into the Episcopal Church by means of a blessing and laying on of hands by a Bishop.  The Bishop visits Saint Peter’s Church once every year, in part to Confirm or Receive new members into the Church.  Prior to his visit, those wishing to be Confirmed or Received, will be prepared by Fr. Ross through study, prayer and contemplation.  If you are interested in being Confirmed or Received, please speak with Fr. Ross.

Holy Matrimony

Weddings at St. Peter’s Church will be scheduled no later than six months prior to the wedding date.  During this time, the couple meets with Fr. Ross on at least three occasions to prepare and plan the service.  All weddings in the church are governed by the Canons of the Diocese of Delaware, the Book of Common Prayer and the laws of this state.  Weddings will only be performed for couples in which at least one of the individuals is an active member of the Church or a member of an active family.  No weddings will be performed during lent.  In addition, if either one and/or both individuals have been married previously, it will be necessary to secure permission from the Bishop of Delaware to perform the marriage (and this will require extra time).  In any event, it is crucial to speak to Father Ross before scheduling a wedding date.  It is customary for all weddings to take place at the church.  It is also customary, if there is to be music in the service, to use the services of our music director.  His fee is $150 for the service.  The Priest and the Music Director must approve all music selected for the service.  Please note that there is to be no flash photography during the ceremony.  Videotaping is permitted only if the camera remains on a tripod in a fixed location for the duration of the service and there is no supplementary lighting.  Rice, confetti, flower petal and birdseed are not to be thrown on Church property.  The wedding ceremony itself, everything affecting the ceremony and anything taking place on the church premises are under the direct and full control of the clergy.  These Guidelines also pertain to Same Gender Blessings.

Ordination

This sacrament is the setting apart, by the laying on of hands and prayer by a bishop, of a person, to function in the Ministry of Word and Sacraments in the Church.  There are three orders of ordained ministry in the Episcopal Church: Bishop, Priest and Deacon.  Those who are contemplating a vocation of ministry should speak with Fr. Ross.

The Sacrament of Reconciliation

The sacrament of Reconciliation is a rite by which a minister of the church absolves and offers forgiveness of sin to a penitent in the name of Christ and his church.  The sacrament is also known by the term confession and is available to anyone who feels that sinful events in their life have caused a block in their relationship with Christ. It is by no means mandatory, but is rather a means offered by the Church to help reconcile individuals to God and to receive counsel in restoring their relationship with Christ.  It is celebrated upon request
 to Fr. Ross.

Holy Unction & Sick Calls

All parishioners are strongly urged to inform the church when they or a loved one are seriously ill and/or hospitalized.  The Rector is very willing to visit and pray with members of the congregation at any time, but especially when they are in need.  When you call the office, please let the staff know if you or your loved one would like to be anointed with the oil of the sick (Holy Unction) for healing and/or Holy Communion brought to you.