Baptism, Marriage & Funerals

Baptisms

Sacramental entry into the Christian community is through the joyous, welcoming service of Baptism. "All persons who have received the Sacrament of Holy Baptism with water in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, whether in this (the Episcopal) Church or in another Christian Church, and whose baptism has been recorded in this church, are members thereof." (Canon 17, Section 1)

Baptisms are celebrated on the following days:  the Feast of the Baptism of our Lord (the first Sunday after Epiphany January 6); the Easter Vigil (Easter Sunday sunrise service); the 2nd Sunday of Easter; the Day of Pentecost; the Sunday before Labor Day; and November 1 or 1st Sunday after All Saints' Day (November 1).

A Baptism Rehearsal for the parents or candidates and their sponsors or godparents is held the  Saturday before each Baptismal day from 9 AM to 10 AM. We meet in the St. Andrew’s House.

2021 Baptism Dates

January 10, April 4 (6am Easter service), April 11, May 23, September 5, November 7

2022 BAPTISM DATES

January 9, April 17 (Early morning Vigil service only), April 24, June 5, September 4, November 6

Please advise the office if you have a candidate for baptism. If you need more information, please call our church office at 713-861-5596 and speak to Carrie Conti, the Office Manager. She will have a preliminary discussion with you and answer questions you may have.

The Celebration & Blessing of Marriage

Any celebration of marriage taking place at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church must conform to the rules, requirements and practice of the Episcopal Church. Holy Matrimony is celebrated according to the provisions of the Book of Common Prayer and canon law of the Episcopal Church. One member of the couple must be a baptized Christian who is an active, attending and pledging member of St. Andrew’s. Our Wedding Planning Guide is a helpful resource. If you need more information, please call our church office at 713-861-5596 and speak to the rector.

Funeral Services

The liturgy for the dead is an Easter liturgy. It finds all its meaning in the resurrection. Because Jesus was raised from the dead, we too, shall be raised. The liturgy, therefore, is characterized by joy, in the certainty that “neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, not height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” This joy, however, does not make human grief unchristian. The very love we have for each other in Christ brings deep sorrow when we are parted by death. Jesus himself wept at the grave of his friend. So, while we rejoice that one we love has entered into the nearer presence of our Lord, we sorrow in sympathy with those who mourn. - Book of Common Prayer pg. 507

Please advise the office if you need to discuss a funeral service. Contact Carrie Conti, the Office Manager at 713-861-5596 and she will help connect you with our clergy. If you wish to consider preparations for a funeral service for yourself or a loved one, the Advanced Burial Planning Guide is a helpful resource.