The Anglican Church of Canada baptizes both infants and adults to receive them into the family of God.

What is baptism?

Baptism is the sign of new life in Christ and unites Christ with his people. When we become baptized we make a commitment to follow Jesus Christ. We let go of our old ways of seeing others and ourselves. We learn to see one another through the eyes of Christ. We make a conscious decision to respect others and ourselves, to
grow in our ability to live in harmony with others, and to forgive. We have a responsibility to resist evil in our own lives and to work to transform our society into a caring family centred on Christ's passionate love for the world.

At the time of baptism, the person is formally received as a member of the church, and may receive Holy Communion (or Eucharist).

What is infant baptism?

In the Anglican Church, children may be baptized with parents and sponsors making these commitments for them. The parents and sponsors and the parish community also commit on their own to bring these children up in the church to understand God's purpose for the world.

If parents are not ready to make baptismal promises or wish to defer baptism for a while, the church offers a service of thanksgiving for the gift of a child. In this service the family gives thanks for the birth and prays for God's help in the child's care and nurture.

Who may be baptized?

Any adult who believes God is calling her or him into the Christian way of life is invited to be baptized.
Any baptized adult may present a child for baptism. Usually the person bringing the child forward is a baptized parent. Baptized or not, it is customary that both parents of the child consent to the baptism of the child. A single parent may bring a child to be baptized on her or his own.

Who are sponsors?

Sponsors are baptized adult members of a Christian community. They are witnesses to the baptism and accept responsibility for supporting the person's spiritual development-his or her growth in Christ.

Both children and adults have sponsors. Traditionally, children have had three sponsors (often called godparents)-two relatives or family friends of the child's own sex, and one of the opposite sex. Today however parents are often the sponsors of their children. When a child cannot answer for herself or himself, the sponsors make the promises on his or her behalf.

When does baptism take place?

In baptism a person becomes part of the church community. and the community should be present to witness and welcome. Many parishes reserve baptism for a few special Sunday celebrations during the year. Please contact the priest several months in advance

How do we prepare for baptism?

Candidates for baptism, their parents and sponsors, receive instruction in the meaning of baptism and of the vows which they will make. The extent of this instruction will vary from parish to parish and according to the age and capability of the candidates.

Is there a fee for baptism?

There is no fee. Once a person becomes a member of the Anglican Church of Canada, that person supports a parish with time, talent, and financial resources.

What is the service of baptism in the Anglican Church of Canada?

The service includes the reading of scripture and preaching of a sermon, the presentation of the candidates, and the affirmation of beliefs by the candidates, or in the case of children, their parents and sponsors. Baptism can be in the form of immersion, or by the pouring of water on the head of the candidate for baptism. The priest or deacon says, "I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit". The sign of the cross is then traced with water on the candidate's forehead to show that baptism brings the gift of the Holy Spirit. The candidate is given a candle to represent the light of Christ and is received into the church community. Normally the service continues with the celebration of Holy Communion (the Eucharist).

What if I wish to become an Anglican but am already baptized?

Baptism in any Christian church or denomination in the name of the God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit, is accepted by the Anglican Church of Canada. Anglicans do not re-baptize. Any baptized person may become a member of our church by regularly attending an Anglican parish and contributing to its life and ministry. In some parishes individuals new to the Anglican Church may wish to acknowledge Anglican membership publicly by participating in the services of confirmation or reception. (Please see the brochure in this series on confirmation).

More information is available on the diocesan website, www.vancouver.anglican.ca.

Growing in our understanding of the Christian faith is a life-long process. At various times during our lives we may feel a need to affirm publicly what we believe and to make a renewed commitment to live out our faith in our daily lives.

What are the different ways Anglicans renew their commitment?

In the Anglican Church there are three formal ways of affirming one's faith confirmation, reception, and reaffirmation.

What is confirmation?

Persons who have been baptized as infants or young children have the opportunity to confirm the promises their sponsors made for them. Often this happens in the early teenage years, but confirmation can take place at any age-adult confirmations often take place today.

How does a person prepare for confirmation?

Preparation for the rites to affirm one's faith vary from parish to parish, ranging from one-on-one discussions with a priest to participation in a group study. Normally the preparation includes learning more about the basic beliefs of the Christian faith as well as examining how one's faith is expressed in daily life. Candidates for confirmation can ask any questions they may have about the Christian faith and the Anglican style of worship.

Where and when does confirmation take place?

In the Diocese of New Westminster, several confirmation services take place at Christ Church Cathedral in downtown Vancouver. Your parish priest can tell you when your next service will take place.

What happens at confirmation?

The service is among the rites of the Anglican Church at which the bishop presides. During the service candidates are asked to affirm their faith as it is expressed in the Baptismal Covenant. This covenant, found in the Book of Alternative Services, expresses a commitment of belief in God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. As well, those being confirmed commit themselves to resisting evil, repentance after falling into sin, proclaiming the good news of God in Christ by word and example, loving one's neighbours, and striving for justice and peace among all people. The bishop lays hands upon each candidate's head and offers a brief prayer for the Holy Spirit to support you in the commitment you are making. The service of Holy Communion (the Eucharist) is then celebrated.

What is reception?

People who were baptized and confirmed in another Christian tradition and who have found themselves drawn to the Anglican Church of Canada may ask to be formally recognized as a member of this denomination in the rite of reception. This service is not required of new Anglicans, but some may wish to formally acknowledge the move from one Christian family to ours. Preparation is similar to that for confirmation. The rite takes place at the same time as confirmation in the presence of the bishop with the laying of hands.

What is reaffirmation?

Reaffirmation is a rite available for those who have been confirmed or received but who, for a variety of reasons, wish to reaffirm their baptismal vows. For some people, this desire may come because of a long separation from the church. Others may want to reaffirm their vows to celebrate a time of significant spiritual renewal in their lives. The bishop also presides at the rite of reaffirmation, which takes place at the same time as confirmation and reception.

Are there fees for confirmation, reception, or reaffirmation?

There is no fee for these services. We are reminded by Christ that we have received the faith freely, and freely are we to share with others. No one should hesitate to consider affirming his or her faith because of financial restraints or concerns. The Christian faith, however, calls all to a life of stewardship-the sharing of our gifts of time, talent and financial resources. Those who feel called to make a public declaration of faith should consider how they will commit their gifts in the service of God.

In what other ways do Anglicans renew their faith?

In the Christian life we are continually affirming our faith. Every time we participate in a service of Holy Communion we affirm our faith as we recite the creed, respond to the prayers, and receive the bread and wine. Every time we witness a baptism and pledge our support of the newly baptized in their life of faith, we do the same. Confirmation, reception, and reaffirmation can be a more personal expression of commitment to God. Through confirmation, reception. and reaffirmation we celebrate the faith that we have and seek the strength of God and the renewing power of the Holy Spirit to help us persevere in our Christian journey.

More information is available on the diocesan website, www.vancouver.anglican.ca.

Marriage enhances life together, provides deep joy, and offers life-sustaining strength in the relationship between husband and wife.

What is marriage?

In marriage people give and find respect, comfort, help, delight, and tenderness. They may have children. Marriage means commitment and care in good times and in bad. Each is linked to the family of the other. Marriage is a gift of God.

What are the requirements for marriage?

The province of British Columbia requires a license to marry, which is valid for three months. Each party to the marriage must be 19 years of age or have both parents sign a consent form at the time of licensing. Neither partner may be currently married, or too closely related to the other. To be married in the Anglican Church of Canada, at least one of the couple must have been baptized in a Christian church (not necessarily Anglican).

What marriage preparation is required?

All couples married by the Church undergo marriage preparation. Often this is by attending an approved course. In some cases the priest who will perform the marriage will prepare the couple. It is important to examine issues such as
communication, how you will handle money, and whether or not you will have children. Any successful long-term relationship takes work. You will have the opportunity not only to talk about things that might challenge your marriage, but also to identify and celebrate what will make your relationship strong.

Do the couple have to be members of the Anglican Church?

Membership in the Anglican Church of Canada is not required by church bylaws (canons). You are certainly invited to join if you are not a member.

What if one or both are divorced?

Although the church views marriage as a lifelong commitment, it recognizes that sometimes marriages cease and relationships break down. The church offers support to persons seeking remarriage after divorce. The priest will help you evaluate what went astray in the earlier marriage, and what you have learned about yourself from the breakdown. Through this process, the church will do all it can to ensure that the new relationship will be life-giving.

Must an Anglican marriage take place in a church building?

Couples are strongly urged to marry in church. Marriages in other places are
occasionally allowed, but in this region of the Anglican Church of Canada, the bishop must give permission each time a priest conducts a marriage outside a church. Anglican marriage is a public ceremony. The bishop insists that marriage ceremonies occur in a public place -not, for example, in a private home or garden
-and be dignified. (No bungee-jumping).

What is the marriage service?

The service includes a statement of Christian marriage, readings from scripture, and sometimes a sermon. Family members may take part in the service by reading scripture or leading prayers. Then come the vows made to each other, and prayers. The couple signs church and civil marriage registers. as do two witnesses, and the priest. The service may conclude with Holy Communion, or simply with a blessing.

Must there be a Holy Communion service?

The marriage service is a joyous time of thanksgiving. Holy Communion (often called the Eucharist) acknowledges that the source of love in this marriage is God. This is especially meaningful when many of the guests are Christian. However Holy Communion is not always required - discuss this with the priest or deacon performing the marriage.

Is there a fee for a marriage service?

Normally there are fees for marriage. These vary by parish. and can be adjusted if there is need. Check with the church office.

How do we go about arranging a marriage?

The first step in moving toward marriage is to contact the church office for an interview with a priest. It is best to arrange this meeting at least three months in advance of the desired date of the marriage service.

Does the Anglican Church of Canada marry gay or lesbian couples?

No. it does not. However. in some parishes in the Greater Vancouver region of the church, a blessing of committed same-sex relationships is offered. There is a separate brochure with information on this topic.

How does the church support marriage following the marriage ceremony?

The church is a caring community in which both the joys and struggles of life are shared and celebrated. The weekly Sunday service offers focus for your lives, connection with people with common values, a time for families to be together, and a source of spiritual strengthening and renewal. Marriage enrichment weekends are offered for couples who have been married for several years.

More information is available on the diocesan website, www.vancouver.anglican.ca.

When someone close to us dies, whether at the end of a long illness or without warning, we are deeply affected.

As we grieve our loss, we may find ourselves asking questions about the meaning of life, death, and our faith.
The Anglican Church of Canada offers support in your bereavement and a hope which points beyond death to resurrection and new life.

How does the church provide care and support?

Although none of us knows what lies beyond death, our Christian experience teaches us that the God whose love has upheld us in life will keep us safe in death.
Both clergy and lay people are available to help families and dying individuals at all stages of death and afterwards. If possible, it is important to involve clergy before the death for pastoral support, advice, or to anoint with oil the person who is dying, or to bring Holy Communion to those gathered at the sick bed.

Some parishes have hospice volunteers. These volunteers visit people in local hospitals and care facilities. Hospice workers have been trained to support and nurture those who are dying to enable them to die with dignity.

What is death?

In death bodily functions cease. Nevertheless, the Christian faith asserts that life goes beyond what we observe. Because of our belief that Jesus overcame death to live again, we do not consider physical death as the end, but as a time of new beginning. We are promised in Scripture that through the resurrection of Jesus we too may anticipate life after death for ourselves and for others.

What is a funeral, and what is a memorial service?

Both services are rites offered by the church to mark the death, to give thanks for the person's life, and to comfort those who mourn.

A funeral service requires the presence of the body or ashes. The presence of the body or the ashes is often preferred, for this helps confirm the reality of death.

Anglicans have two forms of funeral service. The Book of Common Prayer offers a traditional service, while the Book of Alternative Services provides a more contemporary form, with more opportunity for involvement by family and friends.

A memorial service is held if the body or ashes are not present. It is similar to a funeral in most respects, to help the mourners face death and to move through grief to healing.

In addition to the funeral or memorial service in a church, a short service at the graveside or at a crematorium may be held.

How is the service planned?

The clergy will plan with you a service that honours the deceased and celebrates their life.
Service structure, readings, music, readers, prayer leaders, and the form and content of any eulogy are arranged with the family. In recognition of the equality of all in death, the coffin is normally covered with a pall (a large usually white cloth). Families may wish to celebrate Holy Communion at the time of the funeral as a means of affirming faith in a God who identifies with humanity in both life and death.

Following the service, a reception is usually held so that the family, now separated physically from the person who has died, joins with friends for comfort and support. When we gather to eat and drink, we proclaim that life continues even in the face of death. Some parishes can provide space and catering services.

Is there a fee for a funeral service?

Fees related to funerals vary from congregation to congregation. They include payment for the organist, the verger, and the altar guild if there is communion. An honorarium is customary for the priest or deacon who officiates at the service. In some circumstances the amount is specified by the church office.

How does the church help after the funeral?

The most difficult days for the people who have lost a family member or friend to death usually come after the funeral as they move through the various stages of the grief process - denial that the person has died, anger at feelings of desertion or perhaps at God who may be seen as responsible for taking the deceased away, depression and loneliness, until at last there is acceptance and desire to create some kind of memorial to the person through action or some other symbolic gesture. The healing process over time helps to bring our feelings of grief into relationship with our proclamation of faith in the promise of resurrection.

In the days following the funeral service the priest, and in some parishes lay pastoral workers, remain available to the family. Friends from the congregation can offer love and encouragement in the days, weeks, and months ahead. Contact with others enables the mourners to find new avenues for life and support in the period of adjustment as they seek to come to terms with their grief and to find new purpose and direction for the future.

More information is available on the diocesan website, www.vancouver.anglican.ca.