Life Events

So many of life’s most meaningful moments happen in church – in the presence of God, in the company of those we love and care about, and in the spirit of hope and Christian fellowship.

An important moment in your life

St. Philip’s is honored to be the place where so many of our parishioners have been married, baptized, confirmed, remembered, and memorialized.

Please read on to see how we can share in some or all your most meaningful life events.

Baptism

Baptism is the rite by which all Christians are initiated into the life of the Church and into the Body of Christ. Through Baptism we share in Christ’s death and in his resurrection. Holy Baptism Seals us as Christ’s own forever. Baptism is meant to be a public act in which the congregation welcomes the newly baptized into the community as all presents make or re-affirm the vows of the Baptismal Covenant. It is our custom to baptize anyone who wishes to become a Christian, regardless of age.

Typically, Baptism is administered Sunday morning during the Holy Eucharist service. The clergy will meet with the parents and godparents in advance to discuss both the ceremony and the great significance of Baptism.

The church sets aside certain days as especially appropriate for Holy Baptism: Easter, Pentecost, All Saints’ Day, and the Feast of the Baptism of our Lord. Baptism, however, is not limited to those days. Parents wanting to baptize their child/children on any of the listed below dates are required to attend the corresponding Baptism preparation class as designated. If you would like more information about baptisms at St. Philip’s, please contact the parish office at 804-321-1266.

• St. Philip’s Baptism Application Form

Baptism schedule for 2021-2022

Confirmations

Confirmation is the rite in which we express a mature commitment to Christ and receive strength from the Holy Spirit through prayer and the laying on of hands by a bishop. The Catechism, the “outline of faith,” says those who are to be confirmed must be baptized, have been sufficiently instructed in the Christian faith, are penitent for their sins, and are ready to affirm their confession of Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. (BCP, p. 860).

Youth Confirmation

Youth confirmation preparation is offered for students in 9th grade and above. We are honored and excited to walk with you through your confirmation preparation process.

For the 2021-2022 program year, St. Philip’s is offering a Hybrid Confirmation experience for youth (with a parent) who desire to be confirmed. It is intended as a “family” process, not just youth attending by themselves. Confirmands are also asked to find a mentor/sponsor of their choosing from the church to help guide them.

We will offer six “deep dive” sessions spread out throughout the program year. Three sessions will be virtual and three will be Saturday Retreats. Information about the fall 2021-22 Confirmation Class will be available soon.

Have questions in the meantime? Contact Rev. Marlene at revmarlene@stphilipsrva.org.

• St. Philip’s Confirmation Application Form

New to St. Philip’s and the Episcopal Church?

Newcomers to the church, especially those who have a different faith background, are encouraged to attend Episcopal 101 class, which is taught by the Clergy. Completing the class meets the requirements to be presented to the bishop for baptism, confirmation, reception, or reaffirmation when they visit St. Philip’s. Contact the parish office at 804-321-1266 or Rev. Marlene at revmarlene@stphilipsrva.org if you are interested or have questions.

Weddings

Your wedding day is one of the most anticipated and cherished days of your life. And it is our profound honor and delight to be the spiritual home of such an important occasion. If you or your fiancé, or a member of one of your immediate families, is a member of St. Philip’s, you are invited to hold your wedding here. The first step in planning is to call the parish office at 804-321-1266 to arrange a time to speak with the clergy about all the other details.

Per the canons of the Episcopal Church, premarital counseling is also part of your wedding planning. And if you are divorced and remarrying, permission from the Bishop is required.

Funerals

Honoring and remembering our loved ones and friends is an essential part of the grieving process. And just as we have celebrated some of life’s most joyous moments with you, we are here for you during life’s darkest moments too. In addition to providing our sanctuary or chapel as a site for your funeral services, our clergy are also available for pastoral counseling before, after, and at the time of death.

To inquire about funeral services at St. Philip’s, please contact parish office at 804-321-1266.