Baptisms, weddings and funerals are all a part of the worship life at St. Philip’s. They mark particularly important moments of change in our lives as we journey together as one people. As a congregation, we are delighted to welcome new members in baptism, to help people celebrate as they commit themselves to one another in marriage and we are privileged to journey with families as they grieve the loss of loved ones.

Please speak to our Incumbent Priest about arrangements.

Baptisms

“Baptism is the sign of new life in Christ. Baptism unites Christ with his people. That union is both individual and corporate. Christians are, it is true, baptized one by one, but to be a Christian is to be part of a new creation which rises from the dark waters of Christ’s death into the dawn of his risen life. Christians are not just baptized individuals; they are a new humanity.”

(From The Book of Alternative Services ©1985, The General Synod of the Anglican Church of Canada, p.146)
  • Baptism is how you join the Church and become a follower of Jesus Christ. You can do this as an older child, as an adult, or as a committed parent bringing your child for baptism.
  • Baptism always takes place in the midst of the congregation as part of the main weekly worship service at 10:30 am on Sunday mornings.
  • All candidates for baptism and the parents of children being baptized must consult with our priest and plan well in advance of the baptism to allow for a time of instruction.
  • There is no financial cost for baptism. It is a free gift of God and we are delighted to share it with you.

Weddings

“Marriage is a public service of the Church” … that takes place … “in the presence of the friends and neighbours of those who come to be married and of the congregation of the Church.”

(From The Book of Alternative Services ©1985, The General Synod of the Anglican Church of Canada, p.526)
  • Christian marriage is the gift of God’s grace and love given to a couple who desire to commit themselves to one another in a lifelong relationship of mutual love and support.
  • If you would like to be married at St. Philip’s, please contact our priest before setting the date. This must be done at least 60 days beforehand.
  • In addition to meeting with the priest to plan the ceremony and talk about marriage from a Christian perspective, all couples are required to take a marriage preparation workshop or series. Our priest will discuss this at your first meeting.
  • By regulation, at least one of the couple must be baptized with a connection to the Anglican Church.
  • While there is no fee charged for the building or the service itself, fees or honoraria for the priest, musician and verger are expected. A donation to the Church is always appreciated.

Funerals

“It is important to note that funerals are the property of neither undertakers nor clergy. They belong to the circle of family and friends of the person who has died and, when that circle is Christian, they find an appropriate setting in the larger Christian fellowship … clergy may provide valued support and resources, and clergy have a particular responsibility to make sure that the rituals observed are appropriate expressions of Christian faith and hope. The family and friends who come to bury their dead should be encouraged to take an active role in the liturgy.”

(From The Book of Alternative Services ©1985, The General Synod of the Anglican Church of Canada, p.567-8)
  • With a cemetery going back to the late 1820’s, St. Philip’s has been supporting the needs of grieving families in the light of our faith for a long time. We are privileged to walk alongside people experiencing the loss of a loved one.
  • All funeral services must be arranged with our priest who will meet with the family to plan an appropriate service in the Anglican tradition. Please make arrangements for a date and time with us as soon as possible after the death of a loved one to ensure the availability of both the Church and priest.
  • We have a recently upgraded hall on the property that is available for funeral receptions. Arrangements for its use must be made by first discussing it with the priest.
  • Our cemetery is a beautiful oasis of peace that may be an appropriate final resting place for the deceased. Please follow this link for more information on the cemetery.
  • While there is no fee charged for the building or the service itself, fees or honoraria for the priest, musician and verger are expected. A donation to the Church is always appreciated.