Life Events & Sacraments

As Episcopalians, we believe that the church's sacraments are gifts from God and are both inward and outward expressions of God’s grace and love. This means that all people are treated in the same way regarding the sacraments as anyone else. Part of our tradition means that some sacraments have traditional requirements before they can be participated in; others have teaching components in place by the church to help people understand the sacraments more. Another part of our tradition encourages participation and membership in our community with the oversight of the clergy using their pastoral authority and discretion. These requirements are equal across the board, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, or marital status. The Sacraments and requirements are as follows: 

1. Baptism 

   Baptism is a joyful celebration of new life in Christ and belonging in the community of faith. At St. Michael’s, we welcome children and adults who wish to be baptized and are honored to walk alongside you as you prepare for this important step in your faith journey.

*Please see below for more information

2. Holy Eucharist

All are welcome to receive the Eucharist at St. Michael’s (also known as Communion). Holy Eucharist is the sacrament commanded by Christ for the continual remembrance of his life, death, and resurrection, until his coming again. The outward and visible sign in the Eucharist is bread and wine, given and received according to Christ’s command.  

3. Marriage

Holy Matrimony is open to all legally marriable adults, including LGBTQ+ couples. There may be further requirements if either person seeking marriage is previously divorced (proof of divorce decree and bishop’s permission required by canon law). All couples must complete pre-marital counseling with our priest, or alternatively with a mental health professional of their choice.

4. Confirmation

Confirmation is the rite in which a baptized person (15 years or older) makes a mature public
commitment to Christ and is strengthened by the Holy Spirit through prayer and the laying on of hands by a bishop. Individuals can participate in the rite following instruction and participation. This sacramental rite is important because it deepens and reaffirms the promises of Baptism, equipping Christians for a life of faithful service in the Church and the world (Book of Common Prayer, Catechism, p. 860; Confirmation rite, pp. 412–418).

5. Confession

Also known as Reconciliation of a Penitent, or Penance, is the rite in which those who repent of their sins may confess them to God in the presence of a priest, and receive the assurance of pardon and the grace of absolution. Corporate confession occurs during most worship services but individual or private confession sessions can be arranged with a priest.         

6. Ordination 

Ordination is the rite in which God gives authority and the grace of the Holy Spirit to those being made bishops, priests, and deacons, through prayer and the laying on of hands by bishops. Individuals seeking ordination should consult with a priest to learn more about the discernment process in the Diocese of Colorado. 

7. Unction 

The rite of anointing the sick with oil, or the laying on of hands, by which God’s grace is given for the healing of spirit, mind, and body. 

Funerals and Columbarium

If you have a loved one who has died and are considering a funeral, please contact the parish office to set up a time to talk to our clergy about making these arrangements. All funeral services are conducted according to the rubrics of the Book of Common Prayer with music and other provisions subject to the discretion of our clergy.

Preplanning your Funeral

We encourage all parishioners to consider funeral planning ahead of time, making choices today that can help create peace of mind in the future. Funeral planning is also a profound help to family members who, in many cases, would be uncertain of how to proceed with a loved one’s wishes. Funeral planning is a concrete way to prepare for a process all of us will experience. Our Christian faith tells us that death, and preparing for that death, is not a failure or the end of hope.

St. Michael's has prepared information that guides the planning process for all persons involved. Funeral planning is appropriately done in the context of pastoral conversation with our parish priest. Please feel free to contact our priest about initiating the planning process.

Columbarium

Reflecting our faith and response to God’s love, St. Michael’s Memorial Garden and Columbarium was dedicated in 2005. It blends landscaping, walkways, grassy areas and provides a final resting place for those who have completed life’s journey. Memorial services are held or conclude there as the ashes of Christian brothers and sisters are reverently place in the Columbarium. Membership includes space for interment of remains and a brass identification plaque.

The Memorial Plaza is an outdoor gathering space used for services and social events. It includes a walkway outlined by memorial pavers, which may be purchased in remembrance of departed loved ones.

Confirmation

Confirmation is the rite in which we make a mature public commitment to Christ and are strengthened by the Holy Spirit through prayer and the laying on of hands by a bishop (Book of Common Prayer, p. 860). For both youth and adults, Confirmation is a time of learning, prayer, and discernment as we deepen our faith and consider how God is calling us to live and serve.

Youth Confirmation
Youth are invited into a time of instruction, prayer, and discernment in preparation for Confirmation. Each participant is paired with a mentor who offers encouragement, companionship, and support along the way. This formation process takes place separately from regular youth ministry programming. Youth must be at least 15 years old at the time of Confirmation.

Adult Confirmation
Adults are invited into a multi-week process of instruction, prayer, and discernment with the clergy. Classes explore Episcopal theology, church history, and the foundations of living a Christ-centered life. The next St. Michael’s Adult Confirmation Class, called “Episcopal Essentials” will be announced in the Weekly eNews. To add your name to the Youth Confirmation Interest List, please contact Bailey Bachynski.

Frequently Asked Question: Confirmation, Reception, or Reaffirmation, What’s the Difference?

These three rites are different ways of saying a deeper yes to the life of faith.

Confirmation is an opportunity for a baptized person to make a mature public affirmation of faith and, through prayer and the laying on of hands by the bishop, to receive strength from the Holy Spirit for Christian life and ministry. As the Book of Common Prayer describes it, we “express a mature commitment to Christ” and receive strength through the bishop’s prayer and laying on of hands (BCP, p. 860).

Reception welcomes into The Episcopal Church those who have already made a mature profession of faith in another Christian tradition and now desire to make the Episcopal Church their spiritual home.

Reaffirmation is for those who have been confirmed or received but sense that God is inviting them to renew their commitment to Christ and the promises of the Baptismal Covenant.

Weddings

St. Michael's offers the sacrament of marriage to the members of our congregation and their families. We view marriage as solemn and public covenant made in the presence of God. In the Episcopal Church it is required that at least one of the parties must be a baptized Christian; that the ceremony be attested by at least two witnesses; and that the marriage conform to the laws of the State and the canons of this Church.

The First Steps

All prospective couples need to speak with our priest in order to initiate the wedding preparation process.

Some initial items of which to be aware:

1. Wedding Policies and Guidelines - CLICK HERE to access

2. Pre-marital and Pastoral Counseling
   The canons (rules and regulations) of the Church require that each couple preparing for marriage in the Episcopal Church must undergo pre-marital counseling. Clergy cannot marry couples who have not completed pre-marital counseling.

3. Scheduling
   Weddings may be scheduled at any time by our priest. Weddings are not customarily scheduled during Lent (the forty days preceding Easter) or on major holidays.

4. The Officiating Priest and the Liturgy At St. Michael's, it is the norm that our priest conduct the service, however the possibility of guest clergy is permissible. The liturgy of the service also may take various forms as permitted by the canons of the church and the Diocese of Colorado.

5. Outside Wedding Consultant If you are working with an outside wedding consultant, this person will not be permitted to play an active role in the ceremony or the rehearsal.