Christian Baptism
Baptism is one of the two primary sacraments of the church instituted by Jesus himself. In ancient times, Baptism was preceded by three years’ preparation and only adults were baptized. While many of us are more familiar with the custom of infant Baptism, the same sense of significance is expected of those who present others for Baptism. This article discusses the church’s expectations of those who ask for Baptism for themselves or others.
• Required Notice - We ask that you contact the parish if Baptism is of interest to you or your family. This gives us an opportunity to familiarize you with the church’s expectations and to pray for the candidate during the time of preparation.
• Baptism and Communion – All baptized persons are welcomed and expected to share in communion, even the very young. This is discussed at the Baptism Preparation workshop.
• Fees and Protocols – There is no fee for Christian baptism. This in no way diminishes the fact that there are expectations, including attendance at worship. During the COVID restrictions, you may contact the office to discuss Baptism.
The Dates of Baptism
You may recall a time when Baptism took place almost upon demand. The Anglican Church has moved to a more considered and ancient practice of celebrating Baptisms on particular feasts of the church year. These are:
• Easter – This is the most ancient feast for Baptisms, either at a vigil service on the Saturday night before Easter, or at the Easter Day celebrations.
• Baptism of the Lord – Jesus’ own Baptism began his public ministry. The church celebrates this event in early or mid-January.
• Pentecost – Pentecost is the Feast of the Holy Spirit and occurs seven weeks after Easter, usually in May or early June.
• Season of the Kingdom – Between All Saints Day (November 1) and the Feast of the Reign of Christ (Sunday before Advent), we celebrate Baptisms to indicate our participation in Jesus’ vision of the Kingdom.
Occasionally, Baptism is offered during the Bishop’s visit to the parish. Specific dates are published well in advance.
Baptism Preparation
Those seeking Baptism are expected to undertake a time of preparation that will include attendance at worship, and a workshop or interview that should include the sponsors (or Godparents) as part of the preparation.
• Basic Information – The Parish maintains a register of Baptisms, and you will need to provide parent names, date and place of birth, and names of sponsors.
• Thinking About Baptism – This book (or other reading material) will be provided by the Parish to supplement the information in this brochure.
• Attendance – Because Baptism is a means of becoming part of the Body of Christ in the world, participating with the gathered community on a regular basis is the minimal expectation of the Church. Unlike marriage, which defines the relationship between two individuals, Baptism defines the relationship between a believer and God as expressed in the community of faith. Please be gracious enough to let the Church define Baptism, and not dictate to the church what you want or expect.
Other Considerations
• The Family – There is some level of family custom that we will try and honour if you are able to plan for Baptism in the Parish of Lantz. You would be expected to provide a letter of reference from the church community where you are presently living, specifying that you have participated in that parish’s preparation and are presently worshiping there. If you are having difficulty in identifying an Anglican congregation where you live, please contact us, and we will assist you with this.
• Sponsors – The ancient practice of sponsors (sometimes called God-parents) presenting a candidate for Baptism is commendable. Parents of children are considered primary sponsors for infants and young children. Two or three highly regarded family members or friends are often invited to present a candidate for Baptism; sponsors should themselves be baptized. An old custom that presumed guardianship of Godparents in the event of the parents’ death is not recognized in law, and if this is your desire, should be specified in your will.
Other Information
• Photographs - Opportunities for group photographs are provided after the service. The officiating clergy will be pleased to participate.
• Other Clergy – On occasion, there are family friends or relatives who are clergy and it would be important to the family to have them participate in the service. Please contact the parish office to discuss this further.
• Pastoral Emergencies - There are sometimes very difficult situations where Baptism will be administered in a hospital or home when the life of the candidate is in jeopardy. The parish clergy are always prepared to administer Baptism in these circumstances. Those baptized in these circumstances should be publicly welcomed at a service in the Parish when the opportunity permits.
• Documentation - A Certificate of Baptism is provided from the Parish, and in the Parish of Lantz, is customarily provided at the next baptismal celebration. Sponsor Certificates are also provided, as is a Baptism Candle.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Christian Marriage
"Marriage is a gift of God and a means of God’s grace in which man and woman become one flesh. It is God’s purpose that, as husband and wife give themselves to each other in love, they shall grow together and be united in that love, as Christ is united with the Church." (Book of Alternative Services)
• Required Notice - A minimum of 60 days notice of the marriage is required. This may be waived by the officiating clergy with sufficient cause.
• Expectations - In asking the Church to bless the occasion of your marriage, you are also committing to the Church's expectations about tradition and decorum. Please respect the officiating clergy's direction about such matters, or consider having a civil ceremony (ie. Justice of the Peace) whose expectations may not be as stringent.
Below, you will find information about:
• Civil and Canon Law – The legal requirements of the Province of Nova Scotia and the Anglican Church of Canada
• Marriage Preparation – What you should expect by way of preparation and counseling before your ceremony
• Fees and Protocols – Guidelines for use of the church building and fees
Civil and Canon Law
The Church is governed by both civil (ie. Federal, Provincial and Municipal) law and canon (ie. Church) law. Each has requirements of those being married, including:
• Marriage License – All couples being married in Nova Scotia require a Provincial Marriage license. There is a week-long waiting period. Marriage licenses must be applied for in person by either of the partners. Licenses are available from Access Nova Scotia outlets at a cost of $120.00. Banns may be published, but a provincial Marriage License is still required.
• Age of Majority – Persons must be of legal age to marry without either parental or judicial consent
• Baptism – Christian Marriage requires that at least one partner be baptized. Please speak to the officiating clergy if this is a concern
• Wedding outside the Church Building – While it is becoming increasingly common to be married outside the church building, there is an expectation that the newly married will attend a Sunday service shortly after their marriage to have their commitment recognized in the congregation with prayer.
Marriage Preparation
Those being married in the church are expected to receive counseling with regard to their relationship and the church’s expectations.
• Basic Information – Both the church and province need to know your date and place of birth, your parents’ full names (including mother’s maiden name) and places of birth, religious affiliation and intended date of the wedding. The Parish maintains a Registry of Marriages.
• The church expects a number of qualities to be evaluated in the time leading up to marriage, that might include relationship awareness (for instance, in the case of divorce, what obligations are expected or will be changed), legal changes around marriage (wills, guardianship of minors, financial liability), the church's teaching about sexuality, and other supports available for marriage in the larger community. Even for couples that have cohabited for years will be subject to legal changes once they are married.
• I generally use a personality/temperament tool called The ENNEAGRAM (you can google it!) as part of a conversation with the prospective couple. It is also useful to hear couples talk about matters of importance with each other, and with a pastor who may be supporting them through life's ups-and-downs.
• Rehearsal – Normally rehearsals for a weekend wedding will be held on a THURSDAY evening. This is the opportunity to gather all those included in your wedding party (attendants, readers, best man, maid or matron of honour, ushers, parents, etc.) to meet at the church and work out the physical arrangements
Other Considerations
• Marriage after Divorce – Particular considerations for marriage in the church following divorce. Proof of Divorce (Decree Absolute or Certificate of Divorce) must be provided, and some discussion about the previous relationship may form part of the preparation process, especially if there are children coming into a blended family. If there are special circumstances, the permission of the Bishop may be required. Please do not set a date without consulting with the clergy.
• Roman Catholic Partners – To remain a communicant Roman Catholic after marriage in the Anglican church, permission of the Roman Catholic Church is required in the form of a “dispensation.” This is normally applied for through the Roman Catholic Church, and may include a promise by the Roman Catholic partner to raise any children of the marriage in the inherited faith of the Catholic Church. Please speak to the officiating clergy or your parish priest with regard to this dispensation and promise.
• Same Sex Marriage (ie. Equal Marriage) - Since 2019, same-sex marriage is permitted in the Diocese, and the parish is fully supportive of your relationship. If you are in a same sex relationship and would like to be married or have your relationship blessed by the church, please contact the Rev'd Canon David Fletcher for further information. Our parish is a diverse congregation who, in 2012, introduced motions to our Diocesan Synod to allow these blessings (which carried) and we are in favour of offering all the sacraments (including marriage) to ALL God's people.
Fees and Protocols
• Clergy $200.00
• Organist $100.00 (plus $25 if required for rehearsal)
• Caretaker/Altar Guild $75.00 (if the wedding takes place in church building)
All fees may be waived at the discretion of the clergy. All appropriate fees should be paid at the time of the rehearsal. If your marriage is taking place somewhere other than the church building, please consider reimbursing the officiating clergy for mileage.
• Photographs and Video – Discreet photography and video during the ceremony is permitted at the direction of the officiating clergy. Opportunities for group photographs are provided at the beginning of the service and signing of the register.
• Music – The wedding ceremony is a service of worship, whether in the church building or another location, and the music should reflect the spiritual significance of the event. Some songs may be more appropriate for the reception or a first dance.
Baptism is one of the two primary sacraments of the church instituted by Jesus himself. In ancient times, Baptism was preceded by three years’ preparation and only adults were baptized. While many of us are more familiar with the custom of infant Baptism, the same sense of significance is expected of those who present others for Baptism. This article discusses the church’s expectations of those who ask for Baptism for themselves or others.
• Required Notice - We ask that you contact the parish if Baptism is of interest to you or your family. This gives us an opportunity to familiarize you with the church’s expectations and to pray for the candidate during the time of preparation.
• Baptism and Communion – All baptized persons are welcomed and expected to share in communion, even the very young. This is discussed at the Baptism Preparation workshop.
• Fees and Protocols – There is no fee for Christian baptism. This in no way diminishes the fact that there are expectations, including attendance at worship. During the COVID restrictions, you may contact the office to discuss Baptism.
The Dates of Baptism
You may recall a time when Baptism took place almost upon demand. The Anglican Church has moved to a more considered and ancient practice of celebrating Baptisms on particular feasts of the church year. These are:
• Easter – This is the most ancient feast for Baptisms, either at a vigil service on the Saturday night before Easter, or at the Easter Day celebrations.
• Baptism of the Lord – Jesus’ own Baptism began his public ministry. The church celebrates this event in early or mid-January.
• Pentecost – Pentecost is the Feast of the Holy Spirit and occurs seven weeks after Easter, usually in May or early June.
• Season of the Kingdom – Between All Saints Day (November 1) and the Feast of the Reign of Christ (Sunday before Advent), we celebrate Baptisms to indicate our participation in Jesus’ vision of the Kingdom.
Occasionally, Baptism is offered during the Bishop’s visit to the parish. Specific dates are published well in advance.
Baptism Preparation
Those seeking Baptism are expected to undertake a time of preparation that will include attendance at worship, and a workshop or interview that should include the sponsors (or Godparents) as part of the preparation.
• Basic Information – The Parish maintains a register of Baptisms, and you will need to provide parent names, date and place of birth, and names of sponsors.
• Thinking About Baptism – This book (or other reading material) will be provided by the Parish to supplement the information in this brochure.
• Attendance – Because Baptism is a means of becoming part of the Body of Christ in the world, participating with the gathered community on a regular basis is the minimal expectation of the Church. Unlike marriage, which defines the relationship between two individuals, Baptism defines the relationship between a believer and God as expressed in the community of faith. Please be gracious enough to let the Church define Baptism, and not dictate to the church what you want or expect.
Other Considerations
• The Family – There is some level of family custom that we will try and honour if you are able to plan for Baptism in the Parish of Lantz. You would be expected to provide a letter of reference from the church community where you are presently living, specifying that you have participated in that parish’s preparation and are presently worshiping there. If you are having difficulty in identifying an Anglican congregation where you live, please contact us, and we will assist you with this.
• Sponsors – The ancient practice of sponsors (sometimes called God-parents) presenting a candidate for Baptism is commendable. Parents of children are considered primary sponsors for infants and young children. Two or three highly regarded family members or friends are often invited to present a candidate for Baptism; sponsors should themselves be baptized. An old custom that presumed guardianship of Godparents in the event of the parents’ death is not recognized in law, and if this is your desire, should be specified in your will.
Other Information
• Photographs - Opportunities for group photographs are provided after the service. The officiating clergy will be pleased to participate.
• Other Clergy – On occasion, there are family friends or relatives who are clergy and it would be important to the family to have them participate in the service. Please contact the parish office to discuss this further.
• Pastoral Emergencies - There are sometimes very difficult situations where Baptism will be administered in a hospital or home when the life of the candidate is in jeopardy. The parish clergy are always prepared to administer Baptism in these circumstances. Those baptized in these circumstances should be publicly welcomed at a service in the Parish when the opportunity permits.
• Documentation - A Certificate of Baptism is provided from the Parish, and in the Parish of Lantz, is customarily provided at the next baptismal celebration. Sponsor Certificates are also provided, as is a Baptism Candle.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Christian Marriage
"Marriage is a gift of God and a means of God’s grace in which man and woman become one flesh. It is God’s purpose that, as husband and wife give themselves to each other in love, they shall grow together and be united in that love, as Christ is united with the Church." (Book of Alternative Services)
• Required Notice - A minimum of 60 days notice of the marriage is required. This may be waived by the officiating clergy with sufficient cause.
• Expectations - In asking the Church to bless the occasion of your marriage, you are also committing to the Church's expectations about tradition and decorum. Please respect the officiating clergy's direction about such matters, or consider having a civil ceremony (ie. Justice of the Peace) whose expectations may not be as stringent.
Below, you will find information about:
• Civil and Canon Law – The legal requirements of the Province of Nova Scotia and the Anglican Church of Canada
• Marriage Preparation – What you should expect by way of preparation and counseling before your ceremony
• Fees and Protocols – Guidelines for use of the church building and fees
Civil and Canon Law
The Church is governed by both civil (ie. Federal, Provincial and Municipal) law and canon (ie. Church) law. Each has requirements of those being married, including:
• Marriage License – All couples being married in Nova Scotia require a Provincial Marriage license. There is a week-long waiting period. Marriage licenses must be applied for in person by either of the partners. Licenses are available from Access Nova Scotia outlets at a cost of $120.00. Banns may be published, but a provincial Marriage License is still required.
• Age of Majority – Persons must be of legal age to marry without either parental or judicial consent
• Baptism – Christian Marriage requires that at least one partner be baptized. Please speak to the officiating clergy if this is a concern
• Wedding outside the Church Building – While it is becoming increasingly common to be married outside the church building, there is an expectation that the newly married will attend a Sunday service shortly after their marriage to have their commitment recognized in the congregation with prayer.
Marriage Preparation
Those being married in the church are expected to receive counseling with regard to their relationship and the church’s expectations.
• Basic Information – Both the church and province need to know your date and place of birth, your parents’ full names (including mother’s maiden name) and places of birth, religious affiliation and intended date of the wedding. The Parish maintains a Registry of Marriages.
• The church expects a number of qualities to be evaluated in the time leading up to marriage, that might include relationship awareness (for instance, in the case of divorce, what obligations are expected or will be changed), legal changes around marriage (wills, guardianship of minors, financial liability), the church's teaching about sexuality, and other supports available for marriage in the larger community. Even for couples that have cohabited for years will be subject to legal changes once they are married.
• I generally use a personality/temperament tool called The ENNEAGRAM (you can google it!) as part of a conversation with the prospective couple. It is also useful to hear couples talk about matters of importance with each other, and with a pastor who may be supporting them through life's ups-and-downs.
• Rehearsal – Normally rehearsals for a weekend wedding will be held on a THURSDAY evening. This is the opportunity to gather all those included in your wedding party (attendants, readers, best man, maid or matron of honour, ushers, parents, etc.) to meet at the church and work out the physical arrangements
Other Considerations
• Marriage after Divorce – Particular considerations for marriage in the church following divorce. Proof of Divorce (Decree Absolute or Certificate of Divorce) must be provided, and some discussion about the previous relationship may form part of the preparation process, especially if there are children coming into a blended family. If there are special circumstances, the permission of the Bishop may be required. Please do not set a date without consulting with the clergy.
• Roman Catholic Partners – To remain a communicant Roman Catholic after marriage in the Anglican church, permission of the Roman Catholic Church is required in the form of a “dispensation.” This is normally applied for through the Roman Catholic Church, and may include a promise by the Roman Catholic partner to raise any children of the marriage in the inherited faith of the Catholic Church. Please speak to the officiating clergy or your parish priest with regard to this dispensation and promise.
• Same Sex Marriage (ie. Equal Marriage) - Since 2019, same-sex marriage is permitted in the Diocese, and the parish is fully supportive of your relationship. If you are in a same sex relationship and would like to be married or have your relationship blessed by the church, please contact the Rev'd Canon David Fletcher for further information. Our parish is a diverse congregation who, in 2012, introduced motions to our Diocesan Synod to allow these blessings (which carried) and we are in favour of offering all the sacraments (including marriage) to ALL God's people.
Fees and Protocols
• Clergy $200.00
• Organist $100.00 (plus $25 if required for rehearsal)
• Caretaker/Altar Guild $75.00 (if the wedding takes place in church building)
All fees may be waived at the discretion of the clergy. All appropriate fees should be paid at the time of the rehearsal. If your marriage is taking place somewhere other than the church building, please consider reimbursing the officiating clergy for mileage.
• Photographs and Video – Discreet photography and video during the ceremony is permitted at the direction of the officiating clergy. Opportunities for group photographs are provided at the beginning of the service and signing of the register.
• Music – The wedding ceremony is a service of worship, whether in the church building or another location, and the music should reflect the spiritual significance of the event. Some songs may be more appropriate for the reception or a first dance.
