Sacraments
Table of Contents
Holy Baptism
The Church Calendar sets aside special feast days for the celebration of Baptism:
The Baptism of Jesus -- Sunday, January 13, 2008
Easter Sunday -- Sunday, March 23, 2008
Pentecost -- Sunday, May 11, 2008
Holy Cross Sunday -- Sunday, September 14, 2008
All Saints Sunday -- Sunday, November 2, 2008
The Baptism of Jesus -- Sunday, January 11, 2009
Baptism is the rite of initiation into the Christian community and serves as the definition for our understanding of the work of ministry and mission in the Church. The Church declares itself to be part of the Resurrected Body of Christ in the world. Baptism marks our community as having a covenant relationship with God. Through Baptism we profess our faith and trust in God who is the source of creation; the One who in Jesus exhibited a profound love for humanity.
You may download a Baptismal Request Form here. or contact: Anahi Galante in the parish office 201-792-3563 ext. 0.
Baptisms take place during the regular worship services, at 9:30 or 11:15 am, on the appointed Sundays. Please indicate your preferred date and service on the Request Form. Note that this form should be returned to the parish office (707 Washington Street; Hoboken, NJ 07030), to the attention of Anahi Galante, at least 3 weeks prior to the requested date. Preparation and orientation for the parents and sponsors (godparents) is generally held on the day prior to the baptism (Saturday) unless alternate arrangements are made. Thank you for your interest in baptism, and we look forward to welcoming your child into the household of God!
Adult baptism is also available. Please contact the parish clergy to discuss. (201-792-3563)
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Marriage
Marriage is a legal commitment between two persons that the Church can bless and can help nurture into being a Christian marriage. The Church understands marriage to mean that a couple is committed to participate in the life of the Church, in this case the life of All Saints Parish.
The couple will be asked to declare their commitment to membership in the parish. Christian marriage requires counseling from a member of the clergy to explore the deeper meaning of marriage and to nurture the couple's relationship with God.
All Saints conducts ceremonies of civil unions using these same guidelines.
Contact: Couples thinking about marriage or civil union at All Saints should contact a member of the clergy before plans for the ceremony are made.
The clergy may be reached through the parish office at 201-792-3563. A tentative date may be requested, but the date can only be confirmed following a review and the approval of the Rector.
Should either member of the couple be divorced, the divorce papers must be submitted at the time of the request for review.
Process: There will be an initial meeting with a member of the clergy to discuss the couple's request, to provide the necessary materials for preparation and to confirm a date. There will be two additional meetings with the couple of about 90 minutes each to discuss the deeper meaning of this lifetime commitment. There will be an individual meeting of about 40 minutes with each person. A rehearsal date and time will also be established. The clergy do not usually attend either a rehearsal dinner or the wedding reception. Fees are based upon use of the Church, the clergy, the organist, and the Altar Guild.
The normal fee for a wedding ceremony are $700. The fee is waived for active pledging members of the congregation.
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Confirmation, Reception, and Re-Affirmation
The Sacrament of Confirmation is the opportunity to make a public affirmation of one's faith in God that was previously declared by godparents at Baptism. Confirmation is a sacrament performed by the Episcopal Bishop of Newark and is appropriate for a person 16 years of age or older (16 is when a person can become a voting member of a parish).
Reception is available for anyone previously confirmed in another denomination and who would now like to either renew or reaffirm his/her faith and commitment to the Episcopal Church.
Re-affirmation is the opportunity for members of the congregation to renew or reaffirm their faith before the Bishop. Persons often elect to re-affirm their faith because they have returned to Church after a long absence, have had a spiritual awakening as a result of a personal experience, or are deepening their commitment or service to Jesus or the Church through an elected leadership position, a new ministry, etc.
Preparation for Confirmation, Reception and Re-affirmation involves a six-week education program about The Episcopal Church and an opportunity to serve the community. Those being confirmed for the first time will be connected with a sponsor from the congregation who serves as a guide and a mentor into All Saints.
Contact: Please speak with the rector, the Rev. Geoffrey Curtiss, 201-792-3563 ext. 11 or the parish office for more information.
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Burial
Burial is the last of the seven sacraments offered by the Church. The Burial Office celebrates the power of our God to transform our lives even in the midst of death. We gather around the deceased for comfort and sorrow over the loss and to give thanks for God's gift of the life of the departed.
We encourage people to gather in the Church for a Christian Burial. The Church provides the opportunity for us to gather around the table where we celebrate the hope that heaven and earth are united. Here at God's Table we are nourished with the hope in God's Word and fed with Bread and Wine that signifies to us the presence of Christ.
Contact: Upon the death of a loved one, the clergy of the parish should be contacted immediately. Call the Parish Office at 201-792-3563.