BAPTISM

In Holy Baptism we are made members of Christ's Body, the Church, and inheritors of the kingdom of God (Book of Common Prayer). This sacrament is best celebrated within a Sunday Eucharist so that the Christian community can acknowledge its responsibility for the nurture of those being baptized. Baptisms are especially appropriate on All Saints Sunday, the Baptism of Christ (the first Sunday after the Epiphany in January), and Pentecost. Baptisms during the 10:00 a.m. service are also appropriate on the Sunday after Easter.

If you desire Baptism for yourself or your child, please contact the clergy to arrange a time for instruction and for the service. Parents and godparents (sponsors) are instructed in the meaning of the sacrament, their duties to the new Christians, and their responsibilities as members of the Church. Godparents need not be Episcopalians, but must be baptized; they may be members of any Christian Church who are actively committed to Christ and able to guide the spiritual development of the newly baptized. It may be of interest to note that the baptismal water used at Trinity Church contains water from the River Jordan, the site of Jesus' baptism.

Those who were baptized as infants and young children are expected, as they reach the age of maturity and after appropriate instruction, to make a public affirmation of their faith. This affirmation is usually made through Confirmation by the Bishop with the laying on of hands. Those who have made adult professions of faith in other Christian traditions are received by the Bishop into the Episcopal Church. Persons who have already been confirmed, received, or baptized as adults in the Episcopal Church, but who would like to make a public statement of recommitment and receive the Bishop's blessing, may make a reaffirmation of baptismal vows.

HOLY EUCHARIST

The Holy Eucharist is the focus of our worship. According to the Catechism in the Book of Common Prayer, it is "the Sacrament commanded by Christ for the continual remembrance of His life, death, and resurrection until His coming again. The benefits we receive in the Lord's Supper are the forgiveness of our sins, the strengthening of our union with Christ and with one another, and the foretaste of the heavenly banquet which is our nourishment in heavenly life." Therefore, when we come to the Lord's Table, "it is required that we should examine our lives, repent of our sins, and be in love and charity with all people." Those who have been baptized in another Christian denomination are welcome to receive Communion in the Episcopal Church. Although children are eligible to receive Holy Communion from the time of their baptism, classes to prepare baptized children for Communion are held as need arises; speak to the clergy if you would like your child to receive instruction. Parents decide the age at which a child receives Communion.

HOLY MATRIMONY

Christian marriage is a solemn and public covenant between a man and a woman in the presence of God. The celebration and blessing of such a marriage is usually held in the church, normally within the context of the Holy Eucharist. At least one of the couple being married must be a baptized Christian. Couples contemplating marriage at Trinity should consult promptly with the clergy to arrange a date for the ceremony and to allow time for at least three sessions of premarital counseling and instruction. A minimum of 30 days' notice must be given prior to a wedding; for those who have been divorced, a longer time is necessary, as permission of a bishop is required. A valid marriage license must be obtained in the City of Hartford at City Hall, 550 Main Street, or from the town hall of the Connecticut town in which either the bride or groom resides, before a wedding can take place at Trinity Church. The license must be brought to the parish office at least one week prior to the ceremony.

The parish organist usually plays for all weddings; music for the ceremony must be decided upon in consultation with the organist and the clergy. Arrangements for flowers should be coordinated with the parish office. Wedding receptions may be held at the church. Photography and video recordings should be discussed with the clergy prior to the wedding ceremony and may not intrude upon the ceremony.
FEES: The fee for the organist is $150 for the ceremony. An additional fee is due if the organist is required at the wedding rehearsal, or for rehearsals with soloists or other musicians. Sexton's fees vary (from $25 up) with the services provided. There is no fee for the use of the church for the wedding ceremony, nor is any fee due to the clergy. Gifts of appreciation may be made to the officiant, to the clergy discretionary fund, or to one of the parish memorial funds.

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