Baptisms

Baptism is an important sacramental moment in our lives.  Whether you are interested in being baptized yourself or in having a child baptized, we are happy to be part of this event.  As a rule we approach baptism in two different ways.  For those who are regular in their attendance at worship, we schedule baptisms at the mass where they will be recognized by other members.  Please consult with us about an appropriate date for a baptism if you fall into this group.  We also recognize that many people come to baptism who are not regularly present for worship.  For these families we schedule special baptismal liturgies periodically during the year.  The office can give you further information about when baptisms are scheduled and how you can participate.

Weddings

Weddings are time of great joy and celebration which we are happy to be part of with you.  You do not need to be members of the parish in order to be married here, but you should know that weddings at St. Barnabas take place in accordance with the canons (church laws) and liturgy of the Episcopal Church and the specific policies of the parish.

If you are interested in being married at St. Barnabas, the first step you should take is to contact the parish office for our wedding information materials and to check on the availability of your anticipated date.  Please be aware that until we actually receive your deposit for the wedding, the date will not be firmly reserved for you.  If you have not already met with him, once you have received information from the office, it is important that you arrange to meet with one of our priests to decide whether your wedding will take place here.

If either the bride or groom is divorced it is necessary for the priest presiding at your wedding to receive permission from the bishop to perform your wedding.  This is a pastoral process, rather than a quasi-judicial one resulting in an annulment, and the priest presiding at your wedding can give you further information as to the procedures involved.  We encourage you to see this as an opportunity to enter into a new marriage with the confidence that God seeks to bless you and that we wish to be the agents of that blessing in your lives.

Wedding music is typically provided by our parish organist who will meet with you to help you select music appropriate to a wedding at St. Barnabas.  As a rule, use of the parish hall for receptions is available only for members of the parish.

Wedding liturgies at St. Barnabas can easily be shared with clergy from other churches and many other faith traditions.  Because this can involve considerable consultation between the clergy involved, please allow plenty of time for this to occur.