Pastoral Offices and Sacraments

 Holy Baptism is the Sacrament by which God adopts us as his children and makes us members of Christ's Body, the Church, and inheritors of the kingdom of God. It is an individual’s union with Christ in his death and resurrection, birth into God's family, the Church, the forgiveness of sins, and new life in the Holy Spirit.  The bond which God establishes in Baptism is indissoluble.

Non-baptized persons who are active in the life of Ware Church (or their parents, on their behalf) are welcome to apply for enrollment as a candidate for baptism. 

The celebration of the Sacrament is traditionally reserved for the Easter Vigil and is the standard for adult candidates. There are additional options for the Day of Pentecost (May/June), All Saints' Day (the first Sunday in November), and the Feast of the Baptism of our Lord (early January) for infants. Rare pastoral exceptions may be granted.

Adult candidates and the parents of infant candidates will need to engage in the process of pre-baptismal formation. You can contact the church office to receive additional information regarding the process. Once this formation process is completed, baptismal dates will be set.

Confirmation is the public profession of faith, made as an adult, before the Bishop.  The profession includes a statement of faith and vows of holy living.  If you have been confirmed in another Christian denomination, it might be appropriate for you to be received into the Episcopal Church.  Some may choose in life to reaffirm their baptismal vows.  A confirmation service is held usually once every other year, in conjunction with the Bishop's visitation.

Sometimes life happens, and talking through an experience with a priest can be helpful tool in reflection and in deriving understanding.  Likewise, there are moments in life when we recognize the need to make a confession and receive absolution -- above and beyond the general confession on Sundays.  All of this can be arrange with the Priest, and will always be held in the strictest confidence.

The family is the primary icon of God, and marriage is the sacrament where God's grace is conveyed to a couple as they pledge a lifetime of mutual love to one another.  If you are interested in getting married, it is appropriate to notify the Priest and schedule an appointment.  To be married in the Episcopal Church, couples are required to undergo premarital counseling, which can be facilitated at the Church.  

As parishioners near the end of life,  the Priest may be called upon to complete the last rites (a series of prayers, confessions, and administration of the Holy Eucharist) before death occurs.  After death, the Priest is available to assist in planning the funeral and Celebration of Life. It is also possible to discuss your own funeral, and plan arrangements prior to death, which can relieve an enormous burden off your family. This record would be kept at the parish office for when it is needed.