Pastoral Ministries

The Episcopal Church has a number of pastoral ministries that are available to help the people of God to celebrate and/or recognize significant events.  Unlike Baptism and Eucharist, these sacramental rites are not considered essential for all Christians in the Episcopal Church -- in that not all Episcopalians get married, or have children, etc.  The BCP page number is a reference to where the pastoral rite is found in the Book of Common Prayer.

Confirmation:  In the course of Christian development, those baptized at an early age are invited to make a mature public affirmation of their faith and commitment to the responsibilities of their Baptism and to receive the laying on of hands by the bishop (BCP, p. 413).  Visit our Confirmation page, under our Faith Formation section, to learn more.

A Form of Commitment to Christian Service:  This rite may be used when a person wishes to make or renew a commitment to teh service of Christ in the world, either in general terms, or upon undertaking some special responsibility (BCP, p. 420).

The Celebration and Blessing of a Marriage:  This is the rite of Holy Matrimony, a Christian Wedding (BCP, p. 423).  Visit our Wedding's at St. Luke's page for details.

The Blessing of a Civil Marriage:  This rite is used when those who have been married in a civil ceremony wish to seek the blessing of the Church on their marriage (BCP, p. 433).  As the Church's most important function is in blessing a marriage --whether at the time of legal Marriage or at a later date, the requirements for the blessing of a civil marriage are the same as for the Celebration and Blessing of a Marriage.  Visit our Wedding's at St. Luke's page for details.

Thanksgiving for the Birth or Adoption of a Child:  A welcoming by the congregation and offering thanks to God for the gift a child -- either through birth or adoption (BCP, p. 439).

Reconciliation of a Penitent:  The ministry of reconciliation, which has been commited by Christ to his Church, is exercised through the care each Christian has for others, through the common prayer of Christians assembled for public worship, and through the priesthood of the Church and its ministers declaring absolution.  The Reconciliation of a Penitent is available for all who desire it.  Unlike how many may view "confession," this is a very pastoral rite to bring healing and wholeness.  It is not restricted to times of sickness.  Confessions may be heard anytime and anywhere (BCP, p. 447).  An old Anglican saying about this rite goes: "Everyone may; none must; some should."  In all seriousness though, it is a very healing rite and particularly appropriate during Lent and at particular moments in one's life.  If you would like to learn more about this rite, please speak to one of the Clergy.

Ministration to the Sick:  Prayers and anointing with holy oil to pray for comfort and wholeness for those who are sick (BCP, p. 453).

Ministration at the Time of Death ("Last Rites"): When a person is near death, the clergy can be notified to come and offer prayers and ministrations of the Church for the dying at or near the time of death (BCP, p. 462).

Burial of the Dead:  This is the rite of burial (funeral).  Visit our Funerals at St. Luke's page for details -- including information on pre-planning for a funeral (BCP, p. 469 - Rite One; BCP, p. 491, Rite Two).

There are also other rites available in our Book of Occassional Services (BOS) that are celebrated either regularly or from time to time.  For example, the commission of ministries in the congregation, the enrolling of candidates for Baptism, the welcoming of new members to the congregation, or the blessing of a new home.