The Rites of the Church

The Sacrament of Baptism is normally celebrated four or five times a year around the principal feast days of our Lord’s Baptism (early winter), at the Great Easter Vigil or on the Sunday following Easter Day (spring), at Pentecost or on Trinity Sunday (early summer), and around the Feast Day of All Saints (late autumn). Inquiries about baptism should be directed to the clergy. Candidates for baptism are presented (in the case of infants and children) or present themselves (in the case of adults) at the 10:00 a.m. Eucharist six weeks prior to the Baptism Service. In the intervening weeks, parents and sponsors and adult candidates are prepared for the sacrament by a team of clergy and laity.

The Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist (Holy Communion) is an opportunity for all who have been baptised to reaffirm their life in Christ. Eucharistic hospitality is extended to all who have been baptised in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and who seek to be reconciled with God and neighbour. By regular reception of the Sacrament, the Christian community is empowered to exercise their baptismal vows.

First Communion. Children of communicant families are encouraged to receive the Eucharist - following careful preparation by the parent(s). To assist in this preparation, St. John’s provides a program called Life in the Eucharist, during which a team of trained lay people, most of whose children have participated in the program, lead a four-week preparatory session.

The Sacrament of Reconciliation (Penance). Confession of sin accompanied with a declaration of absolution is normally offered when we assemble for times of corporate worship.
Our clergy remain accessible by appointment for persons who seek to make a confession and to receive the declaration of absolution with private counsel and direction.

Confirmation. We are initiated into the life of Christ as followers of Jesus as full members of the Church in the sacrament of baptism.This covenant relationship is renewed in our reception of Holy Communion within the Eucharist, when we witness occasions of baptism, and when our bishop gathers us for this purpose.Our bishop may offer the sacrament of Confirmation to any who, though baptized, may have lapsed as communicants and have subsequently returned to the faith, and to others who seek recognition of a renewed faith and mature commitment to service.Such persons should be duly prepared by the clergy and parish community and be recognized for their abilities to communicate the Christian Faith and to provide a mature witness that honours our Anglican tradition and practice.

Marriage Preparation is prescribed for those couple wishing to have their marriage solemnised in the parish. A brochure outlining the requirements for marriage in the church is available from the church office. the clergy, couples are directed to a weekend marriage preparation course offered by the Anglican churches in the K-W area. There are normally three such weekends offered during the year (Fall, Winter, Spring).

Christian Burial. The death of a loved one is a traumatic time for all concerned. The clergy are there to offer practical direction and spiritual support. Members of the parish community are encouraged to hold the funeral liturgy within the church. The parish is also available for reception purposes. Twice during the year, a special Eucharist of Thanksgiving is held in the chapel, to remember and give thanks for the life and witness of those who have died in recent months. Following the service, refreshments are served, and a short presentation is held in order to assist and uphold those who are grieving.

Our Memorial Garden is a place to celebrate and memorialize life. To this end, the Garden may be used as a place for the interment of ashes and a place to meditate and to reflect in peace and tranquility. For more information contact the office at 743-0228