Baptisms and Weddings at CGS

Holy Baptism

Holy Baptism is full initiation into the Body of Christ. All baptized Christians share in the work of Christ in the world, and so baptism is not just a special moment in time but a commitment to a way of life and the community of the Church universal.

Baptism is a sacrament – an outward sign of something God is doing which is beyond our ability to see. In the Episcopal Church, it is our joy to baptize infants, children, and adults. Generally, baptisms are held on major feast days of the church year, including Easter, Pentecost (late spring), All Saints Day (early November), and the Baptism of our Lord (in January).  

At Good Shepherd, parents of infants and children meet with our priest several times before the baptism to prepare not just for the event itself but for the journey ahead as a family. Because parents make the promises of baptism on behalf of their child, the preparation will involve examining their own faith and practices, considering how they will support their child in his or her life in Christ, and learning how the resources of the church can help them in this work. When possible, the godparents of the child to be baptized participate in at least one session of preparation.

Adults considering baptism are encouraged to meet with the priest a few times to learn more about the meaning of the rite and reflect on their spiritual journey. If a person then decides to prepare for baptism, 

a plan for preparation will be set out, which will include the selection of sponsors within the parish – members of the church who can serve as companions on the journey ahead and share some of their own experience as Christians. 

If you would like to learn more about baptism at Good Shepherd, please call the office at (617) 924-9420, or email our rector.

Holy Matrimony

Holy Matrimony is a life-long commitment between two consenting adults, made before God and the community. The Church understands marriage as a sacramental rite that establishes a particular pathway into the future. On this pathway, those who marry grow into their capacity to love as Christ loves, offer one another comfort in times of need, and find mutual joy.

Deciding to be married by the Church means that you are inviting God to be present in your relationship and you intend to find strength and hope through participation in the life of the Church. If you would like to be married at Good Shepherd but are not yet a member, please in touch with us so that we may help you to begin that process. If you are members of another church or are unsure about your spiritual path, an initial conversation with our Priest will help you sort out possibilities and make a decision that has integrity for you.

The canons of the Episcopal Church require that at least one of the two persons being married is a baptized Christian (in any denomination/tradition). Also, the couple is required to meet with the clergy person who will preside at the marriage four or five times before the ceremony for pre-marital preparation, so that when they make their vows, they have a deeper understanding of the commitment they are making and stronger resources for living into their vows.

If you would like to discuss marriage at Good Shepherd, please call the office at (617) 924-9420, or email our rector.

 

Our church facility is also available for rent for wedding receptions after civil ceremonies. For more information about rates and available dates, please contact the church office.