Holy Baptisms
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.
The Book of Common Prayer 1979, p. 298
When do Baptisms take place?
Holy Baptism at St. David’s takes place within the context of the Christian Community. Therefore, we offer Baptisms as part of the scheduled Sunday morning liturgy. Baptisms also take place during the Great Vigil of Easter, which occurs the evening before Easter Day.
We work with families to find a date that will accommodate the needs of the family and Godparents. Baptism dates are sometimes shared among two or more families.
Do parents have to be members to have their children baptized at St. David’s?
Parents of infants and children who wish to present their child(ren) for Holy Baptism are not required to be members of St. David’s. However, we do ask that you begin attending as a family on a “regular” basis prior to the scheduled baptismal date and seriously consider becoming part of our community prior to or following the baptism.
Is it necessary to have Godparents?
It is customary for each person being baptized to have one or more Godparents (for infants and younger children) or Sponsors (for older children and adults). By virtue of the vows they are taking on behalf of the child they are presenting (“I accept Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior.”), Godparents must be baptized Christians, although they do not have to be Episcopalian.
Are there any requirements to schedule a baptism?
Parents will fill out a Baptismal Information Form and return it to the church office. Additionally, the parents and Godparents will attend a 90-minute meeting normally held the day before the baptism. This meeting will include an overview of the roles and responsibilities of those presenting someone for Holy Baptism and a walk-through of the logistics of the service.
How do I schedule a baptism?
Please contact Peter Hanke, Parish Administrator, at parish.admin@stdavidsrolandpark.com.
Marriages & Weddings
Christian marriage is a solemn and public covenant between a man and a woman in the presence of God. In the Episcopal Church it is required that one, at least, of the parties must 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 of this Church.
The Book of Common Prayer 1979, p. 422
We welcome couples who would like to get married at St. David’s. A priest presides at the wedding service using the rites of the Episcopal Church. Couples should either be active members of the parish or willing to investigate becoming active members of our St. David’s community of faith.
Every couple preparing to be married at St. David’s must receive counseling from a member of the clergy or a certified Pastoral Counselor prior to marriage.
Must the persons seeking marriage be Episcopalians?
No. St. David’s welcomes anyone interested in making a serious commitment before God. The Church does ask that one of the persons be a baptized Christian.
Will St. David’s perform a same-gender wedding?
Yes. Same gender couples are treated the same as every other couple.
Can I be married at St. David’s if I have been divorced?
Divorced individuals will spend more time in counseling reflecting on the past, but a divorce is not a bar to remarriage. A person seeking Holy Matrimony with multiple divorces will be asked to do more intensive therapy.
How do I start the process?
Please contact Peter Hanke, Parish Administrator, at parish.admin@stdavidsrolandpark.com.
Funerals and Memorial Services
The liturgy for the dead is an Easter liturgy. It finds all meaning in the resurrection. Because Jesus was raised from the dead, we too, shall be raised.
Book of Common Prayer 1979, p. 507
The clergy of St. David’s Church are available to assist members and non-members of the congregation and their families before, during, and following the time of death. Please do not hesitate to be in touch.
Acknowledging the fact that death comes to each of us, it is always a good idea to plan ahead, regardless of age, so that family members or friends entrusted with our care leading up to, at the time of, and after death can honor our personal wishes and not have to be burdened with this additional task during an already difficult time.
The following resources are intended to help you in planning a fitting celebration of your life, or the life of a loved one, which reflects your personal choices and brings comfort to those attending the service.