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FAQ
How can I become involved in the parish community?
Regular participation in worship is central to becoming part of the parish community. As you become more familiar with opportunities for ministry, study
and spiritual life at Redeemer, we hope you will want to broaden your involvement. We commend to your attention the other pages of our web site,
our parish newsletter (The Redeemer Spirit) and the parish announcements. Deeper involvement in the life and ministry of the parish is
rewarding. We welcome everyone's involvement - newcomers, long time church members, everyone in between, people of all ages. Many different
personalities and talents working cooperatively together for the greater good are needed for our community to continue to thrive and embody our
collective vision of being a "loving community of faith" which proclaims "the good news of Jesus Christ in word and action."
How can I become a member of The Church of the Redeemer?
By your baptism, you already are a member of Christ's Body, the Church. To become a member of Redeemer, you have only to register your baptism in the
parish register. You may do so by requesting a letter of transfer from your previous parish, or, if a letter cannot be obtained, by giving your name,
birth information, and the fact and date (if available) of your baptism to the Rector. Forms for requesting a letter of transfer or registering your
baptism are available in the Church Office.
How do I prepare for my child's baptism, or my own?
For baptism of an infant or young child, parents and godparents meet with the Rector to discuss the meaning of the Sacrament and the responsibilities
of parents and godparents in bringing up the child they present in the Christian faith and life.
Older children, able to answer for themselves as to their desire to be baptized, meet with the Rector several times to talk about the meaning of baptism
and what happens in the service itself.
Adults desiring to be baptized will go through a period of study and inquiry, preferably with their baptism sponsors as well as the Rector.
A candidate for baptism is sponsored by one or more baptized persons (godparents).
Holy Baptism takes place within the celebration of the Holy Eucharist, the main service on a Sunday. Baptism is especially appropriate at the Easter
Vigil, on the Day of Pentecost, All Saints' Day or the Sunday following, and on the First Sunday after the Epiphany. Under special circumstances,
Holy Baptism may be scheduled on other Sundays during the year, within the 8:00 or 10:30 a.m. service.
How can I arrange for a wedding?
The celebration and blessing of a marriage is an occasion of joy and hope. Marriage is a Sacramental Rite of the Church. As such, normally it is
blessed and witnessed within the life of a parish. At least one member of the couple must be a baptized Christian, and, normally, a member of the
parish.
The Canons (laws of the church) of The Episcopal Church require that, before agreeing to preside at the Sacrament of Marriage, a priest must instruct
the couple as to the nature, meaning, and purpose of Holy Matrimony and be satisfied that the couple intends for their marriage to be lifelong.
Therefore, the prospective bride and groom will meet with the Rector before scheduling a wedding, and meet with the Rector for five or six sessions
to prepare for marriage in the Church. If they reside out of the area, the couple will arrange for pre-marital counseling with a local member of the
clergy there, with the Rector's knowledge and approval.
How can I arrange for a funeral?
When a member of the Church dies, the Rector should be contacted as soon as possible: Church Office (301) 229-3770 or Rectory (301) 229-2199.
Arrangements for funerals are made in consultation with the Rector.
