Weddings, Holy Baptism,
Confirmation and Funerals

Holy Baptism

Holy Baptism is the high point of our worship and our life together.  In the mystery of Holy Baptism, we believe that we actually die with Christ to sin and death, and we rise again to freedom and life eternal.  When we baptize infants, it is the parents and sponsors (Godparents) who make promises on behalf of the child.  When we baptize adults, the adult herself or himself renounces evil, affirms faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and joins in promising to uphold the faith of the Church.  

In baptism Holy Water is poured over the head of the person being baptized.  Then Holy Oil is poured on the person's head as the presence of the Holy Spirit is invoked and claimed for this new Christian.  Then the newly baptized is clothed in a white garment, symboling forgiveness of sin and the hope of life eternal with the saints in heaven.  Finally, a candle is give to the newly baptized, symbolizing that this person now shares in carrying the Light of Christ into the world. 

Holy Baptism at Saint Mary's is a very special time and takes place in the midst of a public service of worship.  

Normally, we baptize at the following major feasts:  

All Saint's Day (November 1) at the 6:00 PM Solemn Mass.

The Feast of the Baptism of Our Lord Jesus Christ (Early January) at the 11:00 AM Solemn Mass.

The Great Vigil of Easter (Saturday night before Easter Day) at the 7:00 PM Solemn Mass.

The Day of Pentecost (50 days after Easter Day) at the 11:00 AM Solemn Mass.

The Great Vigil of Easter is the highlight of the Christian year.  If at all possible, you are encouraged to make this service even more special by preparing to receive baptism then. 

To begin the process toward Baptism, please complete the information request form and a priest will contact you to set up an appointment.  Or, if you have any questions at all, please call us at 212-869-5830.

Confirmation

"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." (The Book of Common Prayer).  Usually Confirmation is administered on those Feasts of the church year when Baptism is celebrated (Easter Vigil, Pentecost, All Saints', Baptism of Our Lord). 

If you are interested in being confirmed at Saint Mary's please complete the information request form or call the parish office at 212-869-5830.

The Burial of the Dead

From The Book of Common Prayer: “The liturgy for the dead is an Easter liturgy. It finds all its meaning in the resurrection. Because Jesus was raised from the dead, we, too, shall be raised . . . This joy, however, does not make human grief unchristian. The very love we have for each other in Christ brings deep sorrow when we are parted by death. Jesus himself wept at the grave of his friend. So, while we rejoice that the one we love has entered into the nearer presence of our Lord, we sorrow in sympathy with those who mourn” (page 507).

The liturgy is also an expression of our belief that nothing can separate us from each other in Christ. We still love, care and pray for those who have died, and we believe they still love, care and pray for us. 

We hope this these words might help you in the stewardship of your life and death and, in that stewardship, honor your relationship with God. The clergy and staff at Saint Mary’s are available to speak with you about any questions you may around funerals, burials, death and dying. 

More information is also available here.