Special Services
Special Services
Baptism
Greek, baptizien,”to dip in water”
An initiation into the Christian faith. Available both to adults who profess their Christian faith and infants with Christian parents, Godparents or sponsors taking their vows for the infants. (McKim, 25). It is the sacrament by which God adopts us as members of Christ’s body, the church and inheritors of the kingdom of God. (BCP, 858) Learn more about Baptism.
Confirmation, Reaffirmation, & Reception
Confirmation- Latin, confirmare, “ to make firm”
The formal personal affirmation of the vows of faith taken for one at their Baptism usually by those 12 or older by the laying on of hands by a Bishop and receiving strength from the Holy Spirit after a period of instruction including Christian history, Scripture, the Book of Common Prayer, St.Mary’s History and an Instructed Eucharist. (McKee, 58)
Reaffirmation- The renewal of one’s confirmation vows taken in front of a Bishop and the congregation.
Reception- We recognize you as a member of the one holy catholic (universal) and apostolic church and receive you into the fellowship of this communion. (BCP, 418)
When one moves from one Christian denomination to our Episcopal church. Learn more about Confirmation.
Healing & Unction
Restoration to health and restoring of wholeness or soundness to one’s life by the anointing of oil in the presence of the congregation. (McKee, 125)
Unction- is the rite of anointing the sick with holy oil or the laying on of hands by which God’s grace is given for the healing of mind, body or spirit. (BCP, 861) Learn more about Healing.
Holy Eucharist
Greek, Eucharistein,” to give thanks,”
The centerpiece of our worship immenating from Jesus’ prayer of thanksgiving for the bread and wine at the Last Supper. He related these to his Body and blood in his upcoming sacrifice on the cross which he made for all people everywhere and for all time whom he loved to the end. (McKee, 95)
Marriage
The joining of two people in a relationship of mutual love, fidelity and commitment that may be sanctioned by the church or state and is a spiritual as well as a physical union to be blessed by God in the presence of God. (McKee, 168) The marriage can take place after a period of counseling by the priest or a professional counselor. Learn more about Marriage.
Burial
The traditional Christian practice of placing those who are dead in the earth, cave or after cremation in an urn and possibly interred in St. Mary’s columbarium for a fee. The burial is accompanied by acts of worship,hymns, readings and proclamations of our Christian hope for eternal life. There is usually a meeting with clergy to plan a funeral. According to the deceased wishes and the family. (Mckee, 35).
Westminster Dictionary of Theological Terms, Donald K. McKee, Westminster John Knox Press, Louisville, Kentucky, 1996.
The Book of Common Prayer, The Seabury Press, 1976.
Questions about our services? Contact us.
Baptism
The Holy Sacrament of Baptism
Holy Baptism is a sacrament by which God adopts us as God’s children and makes us members of the Church and inheritors of the kingdom of God (Book of Common Prayer, p.858). Baptism is a sign and reminder to us of God's deep, unconditional love. It empowers us; it emboldens us; it is a sign of new life! We baptize people of all ages.
When We Schedule Baptisms
Baptism is a powerful, transformational moment for the entire faith community at which we welcome our newest members, vow to support them, and in so doing reaffirm our own baptismal vows. Thus, baptism belongs in public worship and is incorporated into regular services during the year. The following are some of our upcoming dates for baptism:
Easter
Pentecost
All Saints' Sunday
The Baptism of the Lord
To schedule a baptism, please call the church administrative office- (901) 527-3361.
Confirmation
Inquirers' Classes
Inquirers' classes are a six-week commitment offered annually for those who want to know more about the Episcopal Church or who are seeking Confirmation. The class runs each spring and concludes with the Bishop's visit for Confirmation/Reception/Reaffirmation and will be promoted in the church newsletter.
Marriage
Beginning A Shared Life
St. Mary’s Episcopal Cathedral offers a beautiful setting for weddings. We are honored when couples choose to begin their shared life through a ceremony here. We hope the following will be helpful in basic information to guide you. A wedding manual with specific details follows at the bottom.
Who may be married at St. Mary’s?
St. Mary's Cathedral is honored to be the venue for the marriage of any adult couple entering into a lifetime commitment. Couples may be members or non-members.
What are the requirements for being married at St. Mary’s?
Both members and non-members may be married at the Cathedral.
The basis for Christian marriage is community and love of Christ and we invite active participation in the worship and ministry of the church. We hope that couples married at St. Mary’s will attend worship services on a regular basis, make a financial commitment to the church with an annual pledge, and become involved in the life and ministry of the parish through attendance at adult education programs and/or participation in at least one of the many active ministries of the parish.
We ask for nine months' notice for couples wishing to be married. Pre-marital counseling with a priest is required.
Please note that:
Weddings are not scheduled during those times on the list outlined in the wedding guidelines
There are different procedures and costs for member versus non-member events
Premarital counseling is a requirement for those married at St. Mary's Episcopal Cathedral
If either party is divorced, at least one year must have elapsed between the final divorce decree and the date of remarriage. Approval for remarriage must be obtained from the Bishop of the Diocese of West Tennessee.
For further information on planning and scheduling your wedding please contact the Parish Administrator at 901.937.4788.
Martin Scofield Wedding
Burial
Blessings of Peace be upon those who have lost a loved one.
St Mary’s hosts funerals and burials. The memorial service/funeral service is held in your cathedral, and it is a time to reflect, pray and hear the promises of God. It is a time share faith stories and stand on the shoulders of those who have gone before us.