baptisms, weddings, funerals

	Our Staff
	Resources & Links
	Copyright Notice
	Privacy Statement

Baptism

"Holy Baptism is full initiation by water and the Holy Spirit into Christ's Body, the Church." (BCP p. 298)  Baptism is an occasion for the whole parish community and is appropriately administered within the Eucharist at the chief Sunday service.  The tradition of having a small private baptism does not reinforce the interest and support of the congregation into which the newly baptized is being admitted.  Opportunities for baptism occur five times a year at times directed by the Prayer Book: At the Bishop’s visitation, Pentecost, St. Luke's Day, the First Sunday after Epiphany and Easter.  Baptism may also occur on other Sundays as well, if the need arises.  Each candidate for baptism is to be sponsored by one or more baptized persons.  Sponsors for infants should be active Christians who will be conscientious in their responsibility to "see that the child is brought up in the Christian faith and life." (BCP p. 302)  Adult candidates for baptism and sponsors of infants are expected to receive instruction.   To submit a baptismal application click here.

Marriage

Clear guidelines for marriage in the church are important, for it is a time when many folks who have no active association with a parish seek the service of the church.  No membership requirement is necessary to be married at the Cathedral, but a couple will be discouraged from the casual use of the church for a wedding.  Regular church attendance and active participation in and support of parish life for a period leading up to the marriage is expected.    As a part of the worship of the Church, wedding are subject to the Canons of the Episcopal Church and the customs of the Cathedral.   To be married in the Episcopal Church, a couple must fulfill the following Canonical requirements: (a) at least one of the persons must have been baptized, although not necessarily in the Episcopal Church; (b) the priest must be given at least sixty days notice of the intended wedding; (c) the couple must have interviews with the priest in which (s)he instructs them in the Church's understanding of Holy Matrimony; (d) the couple must obtain a marriage license in the State of Maine; and (e) there must be two witnesses to the marriage.  Before any dates or plans are committed, the couple must consult with one of the clergy concerning the requirements and customs of the church.  Divorced persons may only be married with the permission of the Bishop.  This must be done prior to establishing a date on the Cathedral calendar.  Guidelines for Weddings at St. Luke's will be given to each couple when the decision has been made by clergy to perform the ceremony.  These guidelines contain necessary information about flowers, photographs, fees, and music.  The Cathedral Musician is ultimately responsible for all decisions about music for weddings.  The bride and groom should meet with clergy well in advance of the wedding, preferably at least six months prior to the ceremony.

Click here to see our Wedding Pamphlet 

Arranging a Funeral

"The death of a member of the church should be reported to clergy and arrangements for the funeral should be made by immediate family and close friends in consultation with the clergy.  After a waiting period of three days or so, baptized Christians are properly buried from the church and the service should be held at a time when the congregation has opportunity to be present." (BCP p. 468)

Normally, the liturgy is said in the church with the committal following at the graveside.  It is appropriate that there be a celebration of the Eucharist as a fitting witness of the promise of Resurrection.  In the Episcopal Church, the casket is always closed before the service and, while in the church, it is covered with a pall or national flag.

Members of the congregation are encouraged to place copies of their own funeral arrangements on file in the parish office.  The Prayer Book rites have a selection of psalms and readings from which to choose.  A booklet entitled “From Strength to Strength” is available on request from the church office and includes guidelines and suggestions for funeral preparations, scripture readings, music etc.  Hymns and other music should reflect the Resurrection theme.  Clergy are available to assist with these plans.  "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." (BCP p. 507)

Click here to see our funeral guide "From Strength to Strength"