About Us - FAQ

Can my children take Communion?

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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.
 

Frequently Asked Questions About Saint Stephen's and the Episcopal Church

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Some good FAQ lists:
   

What is the church year?

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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)

 
Advent
 
Christmas
 
Epiphany

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

 
Lent
 
Easter

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.

Pentecost
 
   

Why do the clergy and other liturgical ministers wear vestments?

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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.
   

I have been baptized in another church; do I have to be re-baptized if I choose to join the Episcopal Church?

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"We acknowledge one baptism for the forgivness 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.
   

How do I join the Episcopal Church?

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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.




   

What if I (or my child) is not already Baptized?

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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.
   

I am visiting the Saint Stephen's. Can I take Communion?

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All baptized Christians, regardless of denomination, are welcome to take Communion in the Episcopal Church. Your own denomination may have some restrictions on this matter. It may be wise to check with a clergyperson in your church first.
   

Why do people kneel upon entering the church?

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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.

   
   

How Do Episcopalians Worship?

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In the pews you will find the Book of Common Prayer, which enables the congregation to share fully in every service. The large print is the actual service and the smaller print gives directions to ministers and people for conduct of service.

You may wonder when to stand, sit or kneel. This varies, even among individual Episcopalians. The general rule is to stand to sing, and to say our affirmation of faith, The Creed, and for the reading of the Gospel in Holy Eucharist.

Psalms can be sung or said sitting or standing. We sit during the reading from the Old and New Testaments, the sermon and hymns sung by the choir. We stand or kneel for prayer to show our greatfulness to God for accepting us as his children, or as an act of humility towards God.

   

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

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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.


   
   

What is our worship schedule?

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Worship is the center of the corporate life of Saint Stephen's. The importance of lay participation in the liturgy is evidenced through an active altar guild, lectors, lay eucharistic ministers, acolytes, and choir. The style of liturgy tends to be traditional, falling somewhere in the middle between "high" and "low" church, since the practices of our parishioners range throughout the full spectrum.

Sunday

8:00 A.M.
Holy Eucharist - Rite I
(Chapel)

10:30 A.M.
Holy Eucharist - Rite II
(Nave)


Thursday

11:30 A.M.
Holy Eucharist - Rite I
(Chapel)
followed by lunch
 

For more information on Church Events,
please go to - Connect / Parish Events Drop Down Menu.
   

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