Life Events: Baptism, Confirmation, Weddings, and Funerals
The following milestones in our lives are supported with their own services. These milestones signify a new beginning of a journey we would like to take with you.
- Baptism begins our journey as a member of the Church. Parents of baptized children make a commitment to raise them in the Christian faith and community.
- Confirmation is a renewal of our vows made at baptism.
- Weddings are a celebration of the union of a couple within their church.
- Funerals provide a celebration of the life of the deceased for family and friends and encourage faith in the hope of the resurrection.
Contact the Church Office for more information about any of the above life events or to arrange any services. Keep scrolling for further details about Baptism, Weddings and Funerals.
Baptism
The Sacrament of Baptism:
Baptism is the sacrament of initiation into the Christian Faith Community. Basically it means becoming a part of Christ’s Body, The Church. The Church is the community of people who desire to be identified with Jesus and seek the assurance of God’s love and acceptance. We are learning to live as followers of Jesus in our time and place.
At what age should Baptism take place?
Primarily, baptism is for those who are sufficiently mature to desire active membership in the Christian community. Parents who are members of the Christian community desire to bring their children up as followers of Jesus too. Therefore, Babies and children are welcome to receive Baptism. Parents make promises on behalf of their children and bring them into the community of faith through the Sacrament of Baptism.
Who may be God-Parents (Sponsors?)
Godparents/Sponsors must be baptised Christians who regularly worship in a parish church.
Should I (we) attend church on a regular basis?
If an adult candidate, or the parent/s of a child are unable to make the commitment of the Baptismal Promises and Covenant, it is suggested that the baptism be deferred until such times as a commitment can be made. Participation in the worship, education and fellowship of the Church and modelling the faith in daily life is a requirement of baptism.
Is there preparation time?
There will normally be two sessions of preparation including a rehearsal for the service. The parent/s are expected to attend. Godparents/Sponsors are encouraged to attend if possible. The dates will be confirmed at the time of registration.
As a sign of our baptismal ministry, we the parish covenant with you who are seeking baptism to give you the opportunity through scripture, tradition, reason and experience to explore the history of baptism, your own faith journey and the idea of covenant relationship.
Baptism at St. Margaret in-the-Pines is a public rite and is celebrated at the 10:00 a.m. service on major feast days:
- The Baptism of Our Lord
- Easter Vigil
- The Second Sunday of Easter
- The Day of Pentecost
- All Saints
For more information about Baptism at St. Margaret’s please contact the church office.
Weddings
If you are considering getting married at St. Margaret in-the-Pines please contact the church office as soon as possible as at least sixty days notice is needed and, under some circumstances, considerably more.
If you are considering getting married in an Anglican service in a location other than an Anglican church, please be aware that the Anglican Church of Canada and the Anglican Diocese of Toronto have canons (rules) and guidelines.
For more information about getting married at St. Margaret, either in the church or at an off-site location, please contact the church office.
Funerals
The clergy of St. Margaret in-the-Pines are available to conduct funeral services either at St. Margaret in-the-Pines or in the chapels of area funeral homes.
Please contact the church office or speak with funeral home staff to make arrangements.