THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY BAPTISM Baptisms are important events not only for the person being baptized but for the entire parish community.
Every baptism, infant or adult, is an occasion for remembering and celebrating God's invitation to be in relationship with him.
Baptisms usually take place on a Sunday during the Eucharist, but are especially appropriate at the Easter Vigil, on the Day of Pentecost (50 days after Easter Day), All Saints' Sunday (first Sunday in November), and on the Feast of the Baptism of Our Lord (the Sunday after January 6th).
Holy Baptism can also be scheduled to coincide with a visit from the Bishop or for a time that is special to the family.
To schedule a baptism or for more information, call the church office at 304.529.6084.
CONFIRMATION Confirmation is a sacramental rite in which we embrace a mature commitment to Christ, expressed in our Baptismal Covenant, and to living a Christian life.
In the early church, the bishop baptized and laid hands on new members and prayed for the gifts of the Holy Spirit. As more and more people joined the church, bishops allowed priests to baptize but reserved the laying on of hands - confirmation - for themselves.
Many people are confirmed in the church when they are in their early teens and mature enough to make the commitment required of them. Others are confirmed as adults.
It is usually parish priests who prepare candidates for confirmation.
There is a course of instruction, and often a candidate's sponsors or other members of the congregation are included in the preparation process. Then the priest presents the candidate to the bishop for confirmation.
We hope to begin instruction and preparation for a new group of confirmands soon.
If you or a loved one is ready for this life-changing commitment, please contact the church office at 304.529.6084 for details.
