What To Expect
WE WANT EVERYONE TO BE AT HOME
Visiting a church for the first time can be intimidating; it takes courage to visit a new place especially if you do not know what to expect. We hope that you find our website and this section in particular helpful in your search for a church home. If you have any questions, please email us or call 205-933-1140. We look forward to seeing you soon!
HELPFUL INFORMATION
WHAT DO I WEAR?
Many people at St. Mary's, but not all, “dress up” (i.e. coat and tie for men). You are invited to come dressed however you are most comfortable.
WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT BOOKS IN THE PEWS?
When you arrive, an usher will give you an order of service which will lead you through the service. We use two books during our worship: The Book of Common Prayer (black cover) which contains all of our liturgies as well as various collects and prayers and The Hymnal 1982 (blue cover) which includes music for all of our congregational singing.
WHO CAN RECEIVE COMMUNION AT ST. MARY'S?
Central to Episcopal/Anglican worship is the celebration of the Holy Eucharist (also called the Holy Communion, the Lord's Supper or the Mass). The Holy Eucharist is the sacrament commanded by Christ for the continual remembrance of his life, death, and resurrection, until his coming again. The Eucharist, the Church's sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving, is the way by which the sacrifice of Christ is made present, and in which he unites us to his one offering of Himself.
All baptized Christians are invited to receive Communion. You may receive both the bread (the Body of Christ) and the wine (the Blood of Christ), or just the bread. If you do not wish to receive communion, you are invited to come to the altar rail to receive a blessing, indicating this by placing your arms across your chest.
If you are interested in the sacrament of Baptism, please contact any of our priests.
HOW DO I RECEIVE MORE INFORMATION ABOUT ST. MARY'S?
On the back of each pew are Visitor Cards. We encourage you to fill one out when you visit and drop it in the offering plate. One of our clergy or lay leaders will then be in contact with you. You may also email the Parish Office and ask to be adding to our mailing list.
COMMUNION WITH GOD
SACRAMENTS
Central to Episcopal/Anglican worship is the celebration of the Holy Eucharist (also called the Holy Communion, the Lord's Supper or the Mass). The Holy Eucharist is the sacrament commanded by Christ for the continual remembrance of his life, death, and resurrection, until his coming again. The Eucharist, the Church's sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving, is the way by which the sacrifice of Christ is made present, and in which he unites us to his one offering of Himself.
In the Episcopal Church all Baptized Christians of all ages are invited to the Lord's Table for Holy Communion. Confirmation is not a prerequisite for admission to Holy Communion. A child who is baptized and sincerely interested is welcome to receive Holy Communion with parental consent, regardless of his or her age.
BAPTISM
Episcopalians celebrate the Sacrament of Baptism: Holy Baptism is full initiation by water and the Holy Spirit into Christ's Body, the Church. Infant Baptism in the context of Sunday morning worship is the normative practice of the Episcopal Church. Baptism makes one a Christian, not an Episcopalian, and for that reason we do not re-baptized a person who has been baptized with water in the name of the Trinity and who wishes to enter the Episcopal Church from another Christian denomination.
Every candidate for Baptism should have at least one sponsor. Sponsors must be baptized Christians. At St. Mary's, following the direction of The Book of Common Prayer, administrations of Baptism are scheduled for Easter Eve, Pentecost, All Saints' Day and The Feast of the Baptism of Our Lord (1st Sunday of Epiphany). Baptism is especially appropriate at these times, but may be scheduled and administered at other times as well.
If you would like more information about Baptism, please contact the Parish Office 933-1140. Episcopalians celebrate other sacramental rites, including Confirmation, Reconciliation, Marriage, Anointing of the Sick and Ordination.
COMMUNION WITH GOD
FOR CHILDREN
Children of all ages are welcome at all of our services. In the narthex (or "lobby" of the church) we have provided clipboards with age appropriate activities. We also offer professionally staffed nurseries and special worship for children ages 3K-3rd Grade.
FOR YOUTH
Our Student Ministry is comprised of students in the 5th - 12th grade. 5th - 6th grade students meet in the 4th floor of the Drennen House), 7th - 8th grade students meet in the Jr. High Youth Space, and 9-12th grade students meet in our Sr. High Youth Space.
Peace be with you.
