Sacraments  & Sacramental Rites of the Church

Please speak to clergy with questions.

Holy Baptism is regularly celebrated at the Easter Vigil, on the Day of Pentecost, on All Saints' Day or the Sunday after All Saints' Day, and on the Feast of the Baptism of our Lord (the First Sunday after the Epiphany). Baptisms are reserved for these occasions or when the Bishop is presiding.

Confirmation, Reception, or Renewal of Baptismal Vows are the processes whereby one enters into an mature public committment to God. Confirmation or Reception is required before leadership positions in the Episcopal Church may be exercised. Renewal of Baptismal Vows may take place at any point in a persons life and may be repeated as seems pastorally appropriate to the renewal of the person's spiritual life.

The Holy Eucharist is regularly celebrated on all Sundays and other major feast days. All baptized individuals regardless of age or deminational affilation are welcome to receive Holy Communion.

The sacramental  rite of Holy Matrimony or Holy Union is offered to members of the parish in good standing and members of their immediate family. Lent is not a suitable season for this sacrament. (For further information request a copy of our Marriage Customary from the office.)

Emergency Pastoral Care: The parish office should be informed when a member of the parish is hospitalized in order to secure the ministrations of the church. In addition, the parish clergy should be informed when a member or friend of the parish is gravely ill or at the point of death. (Please remember that current confidentiality laws prohibit health care professionals from making contact with the parish without your express permission.)

The sacramental rite of Holy Unction, or Anointing for Healing, is administered upon request at any of the regularly scheduled liturgies or at other times, also upon request.

The sacramental rite of Reconciliation, or private confession, is administered by the parish clergy upon request and is especially appropriate during Advent or Lent.

The rite of Ordination is administered by the Bishop in accordance with the canons of the church and with the consent of the Standing Committee. (For further information visit www.episcopalmn.org and download The Holy Order Handbook.)

Fall Choir Opportunity (September to May)

Members and friends are invited to participate in Choir at the 10 am liturgy(with assistance from our section leaders). Come for a Sunday-only rehearsal at 8:45 am, then sing for that day's 10 am liturgy.

Summer Choir Opportunity (June to August)

Members and friends are invited to participate in a Summer Choir that will help lead hymns and service music at 10 am (with assistance from our section leaders). Come for a Sunday-only rehearsal at 9 am, then sing for that day's 10 am liturgy.

Feast Day Choir or Compline Opportunity (Year Round)

Members and friends are invited to participate in the Feast Day or Compline Choir. Check the webcalendar and participate in as many as you like!  

Fresh flowers, greens for Advent, and live plants which can be planted outside after use in the sanctuary are always appreciated, whether they come from the garden or from a florist. Call Mary Lou Oliverius at 651-295-2271 or e-mail her at boliverius@aol.com  if you would like to provide flowers.

Traditionally, flowers are given to the glory of God in memory of a loved one or in thanksgiving. Please let Mary Lou know your preference. Current costs are approxiately $30 for a modest arrangement. (Please make your check out to St. Paul's and mark the memoline: Flowers.)

According to our custom, live flowers are not used in Lent and Advent, however, dried arrangements are used on occassion.

Should you wish to serve in any of the liturgical roles in the schedule or if you have questions please speak to the parish clergy.

Thank you for offering your time, energy, and talents to the praise and glory of God and for the welfare of God's people. Senior Warden Mark Heckel is currently maintaining and updating the schedule. Please find a replacement for yourself, then contact Mark Heck at Mark.Heckel@hotmail.com

May Ministry Schedule

For the Holy Eucharist: The eucharistic readings for the Revised Common Lectionary (RCL) may be found here http://www.io.com/~kellywp/ 

For the Daily Office: The readings in English or Spanish may be found here http://www.missionstclare.com/