While Sundays are certainly the center of our worship together, there are many times during the year that we gather, be it in joy or sometimes in sorrow, to honor the sacraments of baptism, confirmation, marriage and ultimately death. If you are interested in celebrating these events at Christ’s Church, please click on the appropriate link below:

Baptism

Baptism is a sacrament that involves the whole Christian community. It is celebrated during the main Sunday worship service. In the Episcopal Church, baptisms are held on specific occasions in the year:

  • The Feast of the Baptism of our Lord (first Sunday after Epiphany)
  • Easter Vigil – (Typically Adults given the evening hour)
  • Pentecost
  • All Saints

*Because baptism is a community event, we do not do private baptisms except in extreme emergencies.

First Communions

In the Episcopal Church, Baptism is considered to be full and complete initiation into the Body of Christ. Therefore, once someone is baptized, they are eligible to receive Holy Communion. Just as a child is fed long before he understands nutrition, so a child is fed with the sacrament before understanding how it works.
Nevertheless, we honor that some parents prefer to wait until their child is older and we will be pleased to offer specific instruction for children regarding the sacrament of communion. We will schedule the classes when needed. Please speak with the Rev. Dr. Mary Foulke if you are interested at 212-864-4813 or at rector@stmarysharlem.org.

Confirmations & Receptions

Confirmation: The sacramental rite in which the candidates “express a mature commitment to Christ, and receive strength from the Holy Spirit through prayer and the laying on of hands by a bishop” (BCP, p. 860). Adults baptized with the laying on of hands by a bishop are considered to be confirmed.
Reception: Baptized persons who have been members of another Christian fellowship and who wish to be affiliated with the Episcopal Church may make a public affirmation of their faith and commitment to the responsibilities of their baptism in the presence of a bishop.

Reconciliation

Reconciliation is a sacramental rite in which those who repent may confess their sins to God in the presence of a priest and receive the assurance of pardon and the grace of absolution. It is also called penance and confession. The Reconciliation of a Penitent is not limited to times of sickness, it may be heard at any time and any place.

Weddings

Marriage is a sacramental rite of the church in which two persons “enter into a life-long union, make their vows before God and the Church, and receive the grace and blessing of God to help them fulfill their vows.” Marriage is not only an important part of a couple’s life together, but is important as well to the life of the church community. To speak with Rev. Mary about your wedding plans and to learn more about the parish wedding policy, please contact the Parish Office at 212-864-4013 or email us at parishoffice@stmarysharlem.org.

*The Episcopal Church has a legacy of inclusion, aspiring to tell and exemplify God’s love for every human being. We believe that God loves us all – no exceptions.

Pastoral care

The ministry of caring at the heart of the church’s life. It may include hospital visitation, counseling, and ministries of shared presence, listening, and support. If you would like to receive a pastoral visit from a member of our pastoral team, please contact Rev. Mary Foulke at rector@stmarysharlem.org or 212-864-4813.

Funerals

To speak with Rev. Mary about planning a funeral please contact the Parish Office at 212-864-4013 or email us at parishoffice@stmarysharlem.org.

for more information and next steps:

Please contact the church office at 212-864-4013 or at parishoffice@stmarysharlem.org.