Life Events at St. Paul’s
St. Paul’s accompanies individuals, couples, families, and loved ones through the sacred moments of Christian life: baptism, confirmation, first communion, marriage, illness, death, funerals, and pastoral rites.
Celebrating Life in Christ
The Book of Common Prayer is the foundation for St. Paul’s worship, sacramental rites, pastoral care, and special services. St. Paul’s celebrates the ancient sacraments of the Church within the Anglican tradition and the life of the Diocese of Mexico.
All life events should include clear instructions, application forms, and contact information in English and Español.
Baptisms
Holy Baptism is the door to the Church and the usual method for expressing newfound Christian faith. St. Paul’s baptizes adults, infants, and children within the life of the parish.
Who May Be Baptized
Holy Baptism is available to infants and children whose parents or guardians are active members of the parish, and to adults who regularly attend St. Paul’s.
Preparation
Parents or guardians of minor children usually meet with one of the clergy before the sacrament. Godparents are welcome at these meetings.
Scheduling
Holy Baptism is scheduled several times a year as part of a Sunday morning Holy Eucharist. Adult baptisms may also take place at the Great Vigil of Easter.
Application: Please contact the Parish Office for a Baptismal application. The service of Holy Baptism is found in The Book of Common Prayer, page 299.
Confirmations
Confirmation is the sacrament through which a person expresses a mature commitment to Christ and receives strength from the Holy Spirit through prayer and the laying on of hands by a Bishop.
Young people are prepared for Confirmation at parental discretion. Adults who have never been confirmed prepare through classes and consultation with the Rector.
Those already confirmed in the Roman Catholic, Orthodox, or Swedish Lutheran Church are not re-confirmed; they are received by the Bishop into this branch of Christ’s Holy Catholic Church.
First Communion
All baptized Christians are welcomed and encouraged to receive the Holy Eucharist at God’s altar and to participate fully in parish life.
First Communion preparation may be arranged for children and families through the clergy and parish formation leadership. Instruction should be coordinated with parents, guardians, and the parish office.
This section can include dates, preparation requirements, parent information, and a First Communion application or registration form.
Weddings
St. Paul’s celebrates and blesses marriages in accordance with civil and Church law, using the services in The Book of Common Prayer.
Church Blessing
Christian marriage properly occurs in the church building, although exceptions may be made for pastoral reasons.
Civil Marriage Required
In Mexico, clergy do not have authority to perform a legally binding civil marriage. Legal marriage must be completed before a civil authority in Mexico or elsewhere.
Application
Documentation must be presented to the presiding priest before the blessing of the marriage. Please request the Application for Marriage from the Parish Office.
Book of Common Prayer: The marriage rite is found on page 423. Please contact the Parish Office for complete requirements and scheduling.
Funerals
Christians are customarily buried from the Church as the community gathers to thank God for the life of the one who has died, to intercede for the departed, and to ask solace for all who mourn.
The clergy and staff assist families in arranging a liturgy and planning readings, prayers, and music in accordance with the services in The Book of Common Prayer.
Funeral and memorial services may be arranged through the Parish Office and clergy.
Pastoral Care Through Life’s Sacred Moments
In addition to baptisms, confirmations, weddings, and funerals, St. Paul’s offers pastoral rites and sacramental care for many other circumstances in life.
Thanksgiving for Birth or Adoption
A special service celebrates a birth or adoption and is commonly offered during a regularly scheduled Sunday liturgy.
Reconciliation of a Penitent
Private confession and absolution may be arranged with a priest when a person seeks reconciliation, repentance, and pastoral counsel.
Ministration to the Sick
In case of illness, the Rector should be notified. Ancient Christian practice includes prayer, laying on of hands, and anointing with Holy Oil.
Private Communion
When illness or disability prevents someone from attending Holy Eucharist, a priest or Lay Eucharistic Minister may bring Holy Communion.
Ministration at the Time of Death
When sickness appears terminal, clergy may administer the rite sometimes known as Final Unction or Last Rites.
Pastoral Appointments
Please contact the Parish Office to request clergy support, prayer, pastoral care, or information about any life event.
Contact: Saint Paul’s Parish Church, Cardo #6, San Miguel de Allende, Gto. Tel: 415-121-3424. Website: www.StPaulSMA.com