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.
Holy Baptism is appropriately administered within the Eucharist as the chief service on a Sunday or other feast.
St. Mary’s baptizes children, youth, and adults. In keeping with ancient traditions of the Church and according to The Book of Common Prayer, St. Mary’s offers baptism four times each year: The Baptism of Our Lord (mid-January); The Great Vigil of Easter; The Day of Pentecost; and All Saints’ Sunday (early November). Occasionally, other dates are available at the discretion of the Rector.
After one is baptized, one is considered a full member of the Church and is welcome to participate in Holy Communion. At St. Mary’s, all older baptismal candidates, parents, sponsors and godparents are required to meet with the priest to discuss the theology and obligations of baptism and participate in pre-baptismal rehearsal usually scheduled the Saturday before the Baptism from 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
For more information about baptism contact the church office, office@stmarysharford.org or call 410-569-0180.
The church welcomes the opportunity to share with you in planning your wedding. It is the desire of the church that your wedding day be as joyful and as memorable as possible. Start here!
In the Episcopal Church, it is required that at least one member of the couple be a baptized Christian; that the ceremony be attested by at least two witnesses; and that the marriage conform to the laws of the State and the Canons and Constitutions of the Episcopal Church and Diocese of Maryland. Members as well as non-members may be married at St. Mary’s if:
Members must be involved regularly in parish life through worship and more, including an annual financial pledge on record with the Treasurer. Non-members are subject to wedding fees greater than fees to be paid by members. It is customary for non-member Episcopalians to provide a letter of recommendation from the clergy of their parish to the rector of St. Mary’s upon request for marriage.
Couples must meet with the rector before approval for marriage at St. Mary’s may be granted and a ceremony date is confirmed. Pre-marital counseling is required and administered the Rector; services of a licensed marriage counselor may also be important to the process. The Episcopal Church is also open to the re-marriage of divorced persons, but it does require requesting the permission of the Bishop of Maryland. Weddings at St. Mary’s are open to both opposite and same gender couples.
Ceremonies at St. Mary’s are ordered according to the following approved liturgies of The Episcopal Church: The Celebration and Blessing of a Marriage, The Blessing of a Civil Marriage, An Order for Marriage, The Witnessing and Blessing of a Lifelong Covenant, The Witnessing and Blessing of a Marriage, and The Celebration and Blessing of a Marriage 2, and include a celebration of the Holy Eucharist (Holy Communion, Mass, Supper of the Lord), made available to all baptized Christians present for the ceremony. The Holy Eucharist upholds our parish observance of the ancient custom by which couples have begun new life for centuries after the exchange of marriage vows.
While we appreciate the beauty of our historic church, we reserve sacramental rites for members of our congregation. For more information about marriage at St. Mary’s contact the church office, office@stmarysharford.org or call 410-569-0180.
The clergy, staff and members of St. Mary’s are here to support you when there is a death in your family, or as you prepare for your own death. We offer funeral and memorial services in our Church. Our services use the Book of Common Prayer and there is plenty of space to choose music and readings. Many choose to have Holy Communion at the service. We have a professional musician and work with a local florist. We work with all local funeral directors.
Preparing for Death
Parishioners are encouraged to make their burial plans in advance to share them with loved ones and the Parish Office. Periodically, classes and opportunities are offered to reflect on the Burial Office and to assist persons with planning, including information includes about Planned Giving. The Book of Common Prayer encourages adults to have a will with provisions for family and bequests for charitable and religious purposes. St. Mary’s “Advanced Planned for Burial” form is available by clicking here or at the Parish Office for review and completion. The Clergy are available to assist with form completion.
Close to or at the time of Death
When a parishioner is close to or at the time of a death, please call the Parish Office (410-569-0180) in order for a priest to provide the Ministration at Time of Death (Book of Common Prayer, page 462). This comforting liturgy may also be read with family members and loved ones soon after the person has died.
Planning the Service
Upon notifying the Parish Office, the Rector will work with the friends and family of the deceased to find a suitable time for the burial liturgy. Funerals are services of public worship in The Episcopal Church and follow the Burial Office as outlined in the Book of Common Prayer (Rite I, page 469 and Rite II, page 491). It is important first to speak with a member of the Clergy before the date, time and logistics for burial can be communicated; several factors must be considered before final arrangements can be made. Consider completing St. Mary’s Advanced Planning for Burial form, to be kept on file at the Parish Office and shared with loved ones.
Holy Eucharist customarily is offered at the service, and is encouraged for regular communicants. The order of service for Rite I is available here and Rite II is available here.
For more information about funerals at St. Mary’s, contact the church office, office@stmarysharford.org or call 410-569-0180.
All Rights Reserved 2018 St. Mary's Episcopal Church