Last modified on 9/12/2009 12:38:42 PM by N Woods

•  Episcopal Dictionary
  (The Church of the Holy Cross)

• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
  (St. Luke's Episcopal)

• Book of Common Prayer (Online)

What can I expect when I visit Saint Stephen's?

 Why do people kneel in the church?

  Guide to Holy Communion

May my Children take Communion?

What if I am or my Child is not Baptized? 

 Do I have to be re-baptized if I choose to join the Episcopal Church?

What is the church year? 

Why do the clergy and others wear vestments?

 Information on The Windows of St. Stephens

How do I join the Episcopal Church

How Do I Transfer to St. Stephen's

What can I expect when I visit Saint Stephen's?

First off, you will be welcome! We extend a friendly welcome to all who come to worship with us. You will be greeted at the door by ushers who will hand you a service bulletin and answer any questions you may have about the service. At the end of the service the Rector or other priest in charge greets the people as they leave. When you visit Saint Stephen's, you will be our respected and welcome guest. You will worship God with us. Should you want to know more about the Episcopal Church or Saint Stephen's, the Rector will gladly answer your questions.

Why do people kneel in the church?

It is custom upon entering the church to kneel for prayer of personal preparation of worship. In many churches it is custom to bow to the altar on entering and leaving the church, as an act of reverence for Christ.

  

The Book of Common Prayer (Online) -

May my Children take Communion?

A child can take communion at any age. We do not believe that a certain "understanding" of the proceedings is necessary for the sacrament to be valid. The decision is left up to the parents and child regarding the appropriate time.

What if I am or my Child is not Baptized?

Baptism is a joy both for the new Christian and for the whole Church. Episcopalians baptize infants as well as adults. The sacrament of Holy Baptism is celebrated in the context of public worship within a service of the Holy Eucharist. Baptism is celebrated at Easter and at special baptismal festivals throughout the year.

Do I have to be re-baptized if I choose to join the Episcopal Church?

"We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins." Once you have been baptized with water, in the name of the Trinity, you have been received by adoption into the family of Christ. If you wish to make a public, adult affirmation of faith, you may choose to be confirmed.

What is the church year?

The Episcopal Church observes the traditional Christian calendar. The season of advent, during which we prepare for Christmas, begins on the Sunday closest to November 30. Christmas itself lasts for twelve days after which we celebrate the feast of Epiphany. (Jan 6)

Lent, the forty days of preparation for Easter, begins on Ash Wednesday. Easter season lasts fifty days concluding with the feast of Pentecost.

During these times, the Bible Readings are chosen for the appropriateness of the season.  During the rest of the year, the season after Epiphany and the long season after Pentecost (except for a few special Sundays), the New Testament is read sequentially from Sunday to Sunday. The Old Testament lesson corresponds in theme with one of the New Testament readings.

Why do the clergy and others wear vestments?

To add to the beauty and festivity of the services and to signify their special ministries. The vestment colors change with the seasons and holy days of the church year.

Winter Cloaks

Pentecost White

Advent Blue

How do I join the Episcopal Church?

If you are coming from a church in the apostolic succession (i.e. Roman Catholic or Eastern Orthodox), and have already been confirmed, you would be "received" by the Bishop of the Diocese in a ceremony that takes place during the Bishop's visit to Saint Stephen's.

If you are coming from a different tradition, confirmation might be appropriate. Most churches hold inquiry courses for people interested in being confirmed or received by the church. If this is something you would be interested in, you will want to speak to the rector.

Confirmation or reception is not required before you can take communion or participate in church life.

 

How Do I Transfer to St. Stephen's

   Within the Episcopal Church, a Letter of Transfer moves the
membership of one Episcopal congregant (person and/or family) to another Episcopal Church.
The person(s) may be baptized members and/or confirmed communicants. This is one way
every parish can keep track of their active members. Indeed, through the annual Parochial Report,
each diocese and the national church records numbers of baptized persons and confirmed
communicants in parishes across the country.

If you would like to begin the process of securing a Letter of Transfer from a former parish to St.
Stephen’s Church, send a simple letter of request to the rector, or the parish secretary of your
former parish. (Or, you may alternately request from St. Stephen’s.) Information needed is the
name of your former parish, the address, and the diocese if you know it. Supply full names
(including maiden name when applicable), birthdates and other pertinent information (baptism
date, confirmation date) for each member requesting a transfer.

Our office will let you know when the transfer is complete and you will receive an
“official” welcome to St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, Diocese of North Carolina,
Durham, North Carolina.