Holy Baptism
In The Episcopal Church, the Sacrament of Baptism is a means of grace and is the ‘entry point’ to the life of the Church for the new Christian. The Church has received the calling to baptize and be baptized in the words of Jesus found in the Gospel of St. Matthew. “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” – Matthew 28:19-20
The word ‘baptism’ comes from the Koine Greek words βάπτισμα (báptisma), meaning “dipping,” and from βαπτίζω (baptízo), meaning “I dip in liquid.” In Baptism, the grace of the Holy Spirit is poured out upon the newly baptized by immersion or by aspersion, also known as sprinkling, with the priest or bishop saying “I baptize you in the name of the +Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.” We are baptized into Christ’s life, death, and resurrection and cleansed from the stain of sin. In the Anglican Episcopal tradition of Christianity, we practice both adult and infant baptism, believing that all are called and welcome to join the body of Christ. In the New Testament, it is observed that entire households were baptized meaning that children and infants were included (Acts 16:33). The newly baptized are supported by godparents or sponsors.
If you feel the calling to be baptized or to have your child baptized at St. Stephen’s Church, please contact our office at 520-221-0149
Weddings
In The Episcopal Church, we believe that Holy Matrimony is a sacramental rite of the Church, a means of grace, in which two people are united together in a sacred union. In marriage, two people enter into a lifelong commitment and covenant. Recognizing the holiness and seriousness of marriage, a couple seeking to marry is expected to participate in a period of formation and pre-marital pastoral counseling. This formation period is not to give more ‘homework’ but rather an invitation to joyfully prepare for and prayerfully discern the sacred union of marriage. At St. Stephen’s Church, we welcome different and same-gender couples to be married. If you have been civilly married, we also welcome couples to receive a Blessing of Marriage.
If you and your partner are interested in marrying of receiving a blessing of marriage at St. Stephen’s Church, please call our office at 520-221-0149. We welcome married couples who wish to renew their wedding vows. This may take place on Sunday or in a Service of Blessing. Recognizing that some cities in our state had opened up registration for civil unions, prior to marriage equality in 2015, we welcome couples wishing to celebrate a civil union anniversary with prayers of thanksgiving. We also welcome all couples, whether already married, wanting to be married, or still in discernment, to the church to receive pastoral care and prayer.
Quinceaneras
St. Stephen’s can provide services for quinceaneras. Please contact our office at 520-221-0149