Pastoral Services

Holy Baptism

Holy Baptism is the sacrament by which God adopts us as his children and makes us members of Christ's Body, the Church, and inheritors of the kingdom of God. The outward and visible sign in Baptism is water, in which the person is baptized in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

The inward and spiritual grace in Baptism is union with Christ in his death and resurrection, birth into God's family the Church, forgiveness of sins, and new life in the Holy Spirit. It is required that we renounce Satan, repent of our sins, and accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior.
 
We baptize infants and young children, as indicated in Acts of the Apostles in Scripture and Christian tradition. Infants and younger children are baptized so that they can share citizenship in the Covenant, membership in Christ, and redemption by God. Promises are made for them by their parents and sponsors, who guarantee that the infants will be brought up within the Church, to know Christ and be able to follow him.
 
For adults who are joining The Episcopal Church and were baptized as infants or as adults, we recognize and affirm your baptism. We believe in one baptism for the forgiveness of sins and its efficacy when you were baptized. Please inquire about Confirmation or the Renewal of Baptismal Vows or Reaffirmation of Faith with the parish priest to affirm the good work that God has begun in you.
 
If you are an adult desiring to be baptized, please contact the parish office to schedule a time with the parish priest to prepare for baptism.
 
Parents, please contact the parish office to schedule a time with the parish priest to prepare for your child's baptism.
 
Baptisms are generally scheduled for Sunday mornings, but may be scheduled at other times for pastoral reasons.
 
Epiphany, Easter, Day of Pentecost, and All Saints are designated for Baptism by ancient tradition and The Book of Common Prayer. The Sacrament of Baptism may be administered at other times as required by circumstance. 
 
In the event of an emergency, lay persons may baptize a person. The baptism should be reported as soon as possible to the parish priest to be recorded in the parish register and acknowledged by the on a Sunday morning.
 
 

Confirmation

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.

It is required of those to be confirmed that they have been baptized, are 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.

Contact the parish office or priest to enroll in classes in instruction in the Faith to prepare for Confirmation at the bishop's visit.

 

Holy Eucharist

The Holy Eucharist is the sacrament commanded by Christ for the continual remembrance of his life, death, and resurrection, until his coming again. Holy Eucharist is the Church's sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving.  It is the way by which the sacrifice of Christ is made present, and in which he unites us to his one offering of himself. 

The outward and visible sign in the Eucharist is bread and wine, given and received according to Christ's command.

The inward and spiritual grace in the Holy Communion is the Body and Blood of Christ given to his people, and received by faith.   The benefits we receive are the forgiveness of our sins, the strengthening of our union with Christ and one another, and the foretaste of the heavenly banquet which is our nourishment in eternal life.  

When we come to receive this sacrament, it is required that we should examine our lives, repent of our sins, and be in love and charity with all people.

Holy Eucharist is celebrated on Sunday mornings and on Wednesdays at noon at All Saints. 

 

Holy Unction

Unction is the rite of anointing the sick with oil, or the laying on of hands, by which God's grace is given for the healing of spirit, mind, and body.  The priest dips a thumb into the holy oil and makes the sign of the cross with it upon the forehead.  Prayers are offered for healing strength for the person. 

Holy Unction is offered on Wednesdays at noon and by request.  
 

Confession

Reconciliation of a Penitent, or Penance, is the rite in which those who repent of their sins may confess them to God in the presence of a priest, and receive the assurance of pardon and the grace of absolution.  

Worship includes a general confession, in which the people corporately confess their sins and receive absolution. Private or particular confession, where individuals seek to do penance and receive forgiveness from God in the presence of a priest, is offered by this Church.  The seal of the confession is absolute, but this sacrament should not be interpreted as allowing people to commit crime and confess their sins to a priest as if to avoid prosecution.  This idea is a misconception and is not practiced or allowed in this Church.  Penitents who confess should be intent to amend their lives from the transgression confessed.  To request a private confession, contact the parish priest.  

Weddings

All Saints is happy to consider your request to celebrate your wedding.

We rent our spaces to those who are preparing to celebrate their marriage. Please review the cost and considerations page for the use of our facilities that is attached on this page.

All Saints does respect, offer blessing, and welcome to all couples.

Members of All Saints are most welcome to celebrate their wedding here. The parish and priest are here for you and to support you and to celebrate your marriage! The cost of flowers and musicians are not required, but many people expect music and flowers at their marriage. These costs are not included or standard nor are they required at your wedding.

There is no charge for weddings for members of All Saints. For non-members, fees will apply for use of facilities and clergy. Please connect with the parish administrator to answer your specific questions about your wedding planning in regards to All Saints Episcopal Church in Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina.

 

Holy Orders

Ordination is the rite in which God gives authority and the grace of the Holy Spirit to those being made bishops, priests, and deacons, through prayer and the laying on of hands by bishops.  

If you feel that you may be called to holy orders as a deacon or priest, connect with the parish priest.  The steps leading to ordination involve personal and community prayer and discernment.  All persons may discern their call to ordained ministry in this Church.

 

Funerals

All Saints is honored to host the rites of the burial of the dead for you or your loved ones.

Burial Rites are according to the Book of Common Prayer (1979). The burial of the dead is a sacred rite in the church. Scripture and tradition come together to offer pastoral care and dignity. The rites of this church have been given to President Ford and First Lady Betty Ford and President George H. W. Bush and First Lady Barbara Bush, among many others.

Whether grand or most simple, our nation's premier leaders and our most intimate of friends and family are given the same Christian rites of burial from our prayer book.

Please connect with the parish administrator or parish priest to begin to plan for burial rites at All Saints.