Our service is available for live-streaming or later-viewing on Facebook.
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Sunday Services at 9 a.m. Holy Eucharist - Rite II
We invite you to join us for Holy Eucharist Rite II service. Children of all ages are welcomed to attend the entire service. We celebrate the Holy Eucharist, with the bread, the Body of Christ, being received. Those that desire the wine, the Blood of Christ, may drink from the cup, or dip the wafer. You also may choose not to take the wine. Our Sunday School program is for all ages. The children's Sunday School is during part of the service with the children leaving the church during the Song of Praise and returning to the service during the Peace. Adult and youth Sunday School begins at 10:30 am, after hospitality, in the Parish Hall. They are using the movie series, "The Chosen" as they study the life of Jesus Christ through the eyes of those who knew him. Supervised activities for the children are provided so parents can attend Sunday School. We are also streaming our 9:00 AM Sunday service of Holy Eucharist Rite II from our sacred worship space. You can access our live-streamed service on St. Mary's Facebook page. Below is a link to the Book of Common Prayer, our weekly service bulletin, and our Facebook page. Our Sunday service will begin at 9:00 a.m. on October 1st. Our celebrant will be the Rev. Nan Doerr. You can access the service bulletin for this service below. |
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| service bulletin for October 1, 2023 Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost.pdf |
Baptism
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Holy Baptism is full initiation by water and the Holy Spirit into Christ’s Body the Church. It is a public statement of one’s intentional decision to follow the way of Jesus. In the case of infant baptism, it is the parents’ declaration of their intent to raise a child in the way of Jesus. The bond which God establishes in Baptism is indissoluble, so baptism is only administered once.
When you choose to be baptized yourself or to have your child baptized in the Episcopal Church, it means you are choosing to live out the Baptismal Covenant in the context of an Episcopal church community, taking your part in the worship, mission and ministries of the local parish. Baptism is open to all people, regardless of age or background. |
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Confirmation, Reaffirmation and Reception
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Confirmation is the sacramental rite in which the candidates "express a mature commitment to Christ, and receive strength from the Holy Spirit through prayer and the laying on of hands by a bishop" (Book of Common Prayer, p. 860). Candidates are expected to make a mature public affirmation of their faith, recommit themselves to the responsibilities of their baptism, and receive laying on of hands by a bishop (Book of Common Prayer, p. 412).
Reception is for those who have been sacramentally confirmed in the Roman Catholic or Orthodox churches. Through Reception, they are recognized as members of the one holy catholic and apostolic church, and received into the fellowship of the Episcopal Church.
Reaffirmation is for those who have returned from a time of religious inactivity to an active practice of faith and wish to publicly reaffirm their baptismal vows. Others who have experienced a renewal of faith or desire to renew their Christian commitment may also reaffirm their baptismal vows.
Confirmation/Reception/Reaffirmation should help the candidates discover the meaning of Christian commitment in their lives, and explore ways that their Christian commitment can be lived. The candidates reaffirm their renunciation of evil, and renew their commitment to Jesus Christ. They reaffirm the promises made by them or for them at the time of baptism. Those present in the congregation promise to do all in their power to support the candidates in their life in Christ. The bishop leads the congregation in renewing the baptismal covenant. The Book of Common Prayer provides specific prayers to be said by the bishop for Confirmation, for Reception, and for Reaffirmation. The bishop lays hands on each candidate for Confirmation. The bishop may shake hands with those who are being received to welcome them into this communion, and the bishop may lay hands on them in blessing. The bishop may also bless those who reaffirm their baptismal vows.
Those wishing to be confirmed or received at Saint Mary’s Episcopal Church, must first meet with the priest who will discuss with them the preparation process for confirmation and reception. Please call the church office at 979-345-5269.
Reception is for those who have been sacramentally confirmed in the Roman Catholic or Orthodox churches. Through Reception, they are recognized as members of the one holy catholic and apostolic church, and received into the fellowship of the Episcopal Church.
Reaffirmation is for those who have returned from a time of religious inactivity to an active practice of faith and wish to publicly reaffirm their baptismal vows. Others who have experienced a renewal of faith or desire to renew their Christian commitment may also reaffirm their baptismal vows.
Confirmation/Reception/Reaffirmation should help the candidates discover the meaning of Christian commitment in their lives, and explore ways that their Christian commitment can be lived. The candidates reaffirm their renunciation of evil, and renew their commitment to Jesus Christ. They reaffirm the promises made by them or for them at the time of baptism. Those present in the congregation promise to do all in their power to support the candidates in their life in Christ. The bishop leads the congregation in renewing the baptismal covenant. The Book of Common Prayer provides specific prayers to be said by the bishop for Confirmation, for Reception, and for Reaffirmation. The bishop lays hands on each candidate for Confirmation. The bishop may shake hands with those who are being received to welcome them into this communion, and the bishop may lay hands on them in blessing. The bishop may also bless those who reaffirm their baptismal vows.
Those wishing to be confirmed or received at Saint Mary’s Episcopal Church, must first meet with the priest who will discuss with them the preparation process for confirmation and reception. Please call the church office at 979-345-5269.
Blessing of the Backpacks
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The Blessing of the Backpacks takes place the Sunday before the start of school. Students bring forward their school backpacks and supplies for a special blessing. A blessing is also given to the students and teachers as they prepare for the start of a new school year. The Blessing of the Backpacks marks the end of the school supply drive which began three to four weeks earlier. All the donations go to West Columbia Elementary and are included in the blessing.
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The blessing of the animals
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The Episcopal Church has shown a certain ambivalence to the feasts days of saints. One saint who has always received attention across Christian denominations has been St. Francis of Assisi. He was know for his mystical connection to creation, particularly animals. Stories abound of him preaching to birds and befriending rabbits and crickets. St. Mary’s honors the feast day of Francis of Assisi on the first Sunday in October with a Blessing of the Animals service. Pets are brought to the service and each pet receives a blessing from the rector. A lemonade stand will donate its proceeds to the local pound. Afterwards, the St. Mary's chapter of the Brotherhood of St. Andrew provides hot dogs for all in attendance. All are invited!
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The youth and teens at St. Mary’s serve as acolytes. The word acolyte means “follower” or “attendant” and is a very important ministry of our parish family. The acolytes assist the priest during the service to make things run smoothly. First, there are practical jobs that they do as part of our service: carrying a torch or cross, giving out and receiving alms basins; and helping the clergy ready the table for worship, among other things. Secondly, the acolytes are living symbols of faith. They represent something much larger than themselves, and all that they do or say or pray points to that larger reality—to God. Third, the acolytes represent the congregation and help them follow what is happening in the service. The duties of our acolytes vary and depend on their age and experience.
In faithfulness, acolytes have agreed to serve God and Saint Mary’s Episcopal Church. The words of St. Vincent of Saragossa, patron saint of acolytes, “Remember: our purpose is rooted in our love of God; our faithfulness is seen in our willingness to serve responsibly; and our loyalty is demonstrated in how carefully we carry out our duties”, guide our acolytes in their service.
If your child or teen is interested in serving as an acolyte, please contact the church office at 979-345-3456.
In faithfulness, acolytes have agreed to serve God and Saint Mary’s Episcopal Church. The words of St. Vincent of Saragossa, patron saint of acolytes, “Remember: our purpose is rooted in our love of God; our faithfulness is seen in our willingness to serve responsibly; and our loyalty is demonstrated in how carefully we carry out our duties”, guide our acolytes in their service.
If your child or teen is interested in serving as an acolyte, please contact the church office at 979-345-3456.
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A Lay Reader is a member of the congregation who assists at almost all public services by reading the Old Testament lesson, The Psalm, and the Epistle (New Testament reading), and leads the Prayers of the People. All readings are given to the lay reader before Sunday so he or she can become familiar with the scriptures or prayers. Any confirmed adult communicant in good standing is eligible to become part of this ministry.
Greeters are a vital ministry, one of hospitality and support to our worship. They meet people as they enter church, pass out the pew bulletins and children’s bulletins, and assist visitors by answering any questions and helping with understanding the worship service. Greeters have received training in Safe Guarding God’s People. If you are interested in being a reader or greeter, please contact the church office at 979-345-3456. |
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All men and women who have been confirmed in the Episcopal Church are eligible for Altar Guild work. Altar Guild members realize it is a high privilege to serve in God’s sanctuary and at His altar. They have a deep love for our Lord, his Church, and altar. The attitude that Altar Guild members bring to their work is all-important. With sincere devotion of mind and body, they strive to make their service an acceptable offering to our Lord. Altar Guild members do not need praise for their work, but will make their Christian witness with quiet rejoicing. The members make their work a sacred duty, and have a willingness to work under the priest’s directions and guidance. Altar Guild members leave personal feelings outside the sacristy.
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Although the following duties are not all that an Altar Guild Member does, they are the basic duties:
1. Take care of the sacred vessels, vestments and linens.
2. Prepare for services of worship.
3. Provide necessary articles to be used at the Eucharist.
4. Attend to the housekeeping of the church.
The rector of a parish is the ex-officio director of the Altar Guild. There is also an Altar Guild Director who oversees the work of the Altar Guild and reports to the priest.
If you are interested in serving God and his church as a member of the Altar Guild, please contact the Altar Guild Director, the priest, or the church office (979-345-3456).
1. Take care of the sacred vessels, vestments and linens.
2. Prepare for services of worship.
3. Provide necessary articles to be used at the Eucharist.
4. Attend to the housekeeping of the church.
The rector of a parish is the ex-officio director of the Altar Guild. There is also an Altar Guild Director who oversees the work of the Altar Guild and reports to the priest.
If you are interested in serving God and his church as a member of the Altar Guild, please contact the Altar Guild Director, the priest, or the church office (979-345-3456).
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The Chalice Bearer is the one who administers the Chalice, cup of wine, during the celebration of the Holy Eucharist and plays a vital role in helping the priest cultivate an environment in which worship may be celebrated with reverence and awe, allowing for full participation by the gathered assembly. He or she has made a commitment of time and talent in service to the Lord, understanding that in the Eucharist, God becomes present to us in the elements by the power of the Holy Spirit. Chalice bearers are adults or teens who have been confirmed and have received training in Safe Guarding God’s People.
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