Parish Policies

                                                 GENERAL INFORMATION
                                            Bring A Friend To Worship With Us
All visitors who have been drawn to Christ are welcome and encouraged to share our celebration of the Holy Eucharist. Our hope is that all who come to communion are prepared to receive the real and living presence of Jesus Christ.

                                                           Holy Baptism
Holy Baptism, one of the two principle sacraments of the Church (along with the Holy Eucharist), is a public affirmation of faith best celebrated during Sunday corporate worship. However, with clergy permission, other arrangements may be made. Baptismal instruction is required, especially for Godparents and parents.

                                                       Holy Matrimony
Holy Matrimony is a sacrament of the Church and is properly solemnized in the church. Arrangements should be made with the clergy approximately six months in advance. Please note: pre-marital instruction is required; and while some exceptions may be made, Lent is not an appropriate time for marriages to take place.

                                                              Funerals
Funerals ought to take place from the church. When a parish member dies, it is fitting that the Burial Office and the celebration of the Holy Eucharist take place at Saint Matthews. At the time of death of a loved one, please notify the clergy at once.

                                                   Corporate Confession
Corporate confession is incorporated into our services. Our custom is to kneel (however, please feel free to sit if that is your custom).

                                             Private Auricluar Confession

The Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession and Absolution) is available upon request. Please call the parish office at 343-3837 for an appointment. Please note: you do not have to tell anyone other than the priest why you seek such an appointment.

                                                      Pastoral Needs
In times of pastoral needs such as illness, hospitalizations, death, bereavement, and other personal crises, please inform the clergy immediately. Our clergy are anxious to offer prayers and provide spiritual support.

                                          The Book of Common Prayer
The following rubrics and catechetical instruction from the Book of Common Prayer apply to sacramental and occasional rites: Holy Baptism: p.298, 312-314; Holy Eucharist: p.322, 354, 406-409, 859; Confirmation: p.412, 860; Reconciliation: p.446, 861; Marriage: p.422, 437, 861; Childbirth: p.439; Sickness: p.465, 861; Death: p.462, 862; Burial: p.468, 597. Click here to find the Book of Common Prayer on-line.