Life Events

Many of the most frequent questions we receive center around life changes such as baptisms, weddings, confirmation, funerals and how the church can be present for you during these times.

Baptism

Holy Baptism is the sacramental rite of full initiation - by water and the Holy Spirit - into membership in the Body of Christ. Baptism takes place in the context of the Holy Eucharist on Sundays, Feast Days and during the seasons of Easter and Pentecost. During the service of Baptism, all members of the Cathedral renew their own baptismal vows and welcome the newly baptized into the community of faith. If the baptized person is very young then sponsors, the child’s parents and godparents, make those commitments in the name of the child.

Baptism at St. Paul’s Cathedral takes place by pouring water over the head of the candidate, followed by anointment with oil of chrism on the forehead. If you desire the sacrament of baptism and you are an adult, please attend our Confirmation Class. If you wish to have a child baptized, please contact a member of the clergy to set up an conference and rehearsal. For more information contact the office at 405-235-3436.

Confirmation

Confirming one’s faith in the Church marks an important chapter in the Christian life. Confirmation Class prepares young people and adults to make a public affirmation of their Baptismal vows. Confirmation in the Episcopal Church is one of several spiritual markers and includes the Bishop laying hands upon one’s head and praying for the Holy Spirit to uphold this person in her/his ministry in the Church.

Confirmation instruction centers on many different areas of Episcopal life including theology and Scripture, liturgy, the Book of Common Prayer, church history and the Sacraments. The path is through Confirmation Classes and is open to any adult or young person (8th grade or higher) who wishes to be Confirmed, to Reaffirm their faith, for Reception (if Confirmed in another Christian faith tradition) or for those who simply desire to learn more about Episcopal faith traditions.

Youth Confirmation is open to all people who wish to confirm, re-affirm or be accepted into the Episcopal Church. Confirmation classes are open to all youth grades 8 and above. Please contact Dean Katie Churchwel to begin the conversation for confirmation.

For more information or to sign up for Confirmation, Reaffirmation or Reception, please fill out the form linked below.

Confirmation Form

Marriage

Lifelong relationships - of all kinds - are a gift to the world. Preparing for an unwavering commitment is a time of great joy. St. Paul's Cathedral joins in both the celebration and also in the preparations for a very special day. To be married in the Church is not about setting up new living arrangements, rather it is about the process of evolving into a different person from the one you’ve been all your life since being married is a coming together as one with your spouse.

Choosing to be married at St. Paul’s means inviting the Church to become part of your preparation for a new and lifelong commitment. The Church celebrates all who wish to join together and together we will all ask God to bless it.

If you are not a member of St. Paul's and yet are seeking a church home, we encourage you to contact a member of our Clergy to learn how to begin the process becoming a member of Cathedral.

Couples married at St. Paul's are expected to participate in the following:

• Regularly attending church services. Marriage is a sacrament representing Christ's union of love. We are called to take our places in the Body of Christ by faithfully offering our hearts and voices in expressing our love of God.
• Growing through Christian education. For those who are new to St. Paul's and the Episcopal Church, or have not yet been baptized, participating in an Inquirer's Class and/or Confirmation Class is an excellent way to deepen your relationship with God.
• Seeking outreach and ministry opportunities. At St. Paul's there are many ways individuals and couples can share in the work and ministry of Christ in the world. Numerous Outreach Ministries can deepen one's love of neighbor and self.
• Financially support the Cathedral. Joining the life of the Church community includes offering not only time and energy, it also includes pledging financial resources for the vitality, beauty and work of the Cathedral.
• Finding community in Cathedral life. Marriage does not thrive in isolation and at the Cathedral many people gather together in support of one another. Thankfully, there are many ways of building friendships and having fun with your family of faith.

For more information about getting married at St. Paul's Cathedral, or becoming a member, please set up an appointment with one of the Clergy on staff by contacting the Church Office at 235-3436.

Funeral Services

Planning a funeral is a stressful process. At St. Paul's Cathedral we want to relieve as much of that burden as possible and help you make informed decisions regarding all aspects of the service. please fill out the form linked below and a Staff or Clergy person will be in touch with you as soon as possible.

Burial Rites Form