Baptisms

Baptism is the way in which people become members of the Christian community. This is why we celebrate it as part of our Sunday service when we gather together for worship. If you wish this sacrament for your child, or for yourself, please speak to the clergy to arrange a date and a baptismal preparation meeting. We encourage baptism of young infants as long as one parent or guardian is a practicing Christian and intending to raise the child within the church.

Weddings

When you are married in a church and by a priest, you are asking your marriage to be recognized as a Christian wedding and blessed by God. It is an important decision to stand before God and your family and friends and make a lifetime commitment to each other. We would be pleased to take part in planning your special day.

If you are thinking about being married at St. Matthew’s please contact the clergy at least 60 days before making any firm plans. Anglican weddings are usually performed within the church building and at least one of the wedding couple must be baptized according to diocesan regulations. The couple will meet with clergy several times before the wedding and they will be expected to attend a recommended marriage preparation course.

If one (or both) have been divorced, the clergy will discuss pastoral areas that need to be addressed by the couple wanting to be remarried.

Funerals

The church is the place where we are baptized, confirmed, married and the place where a Christian family can find support at the time of the death of a loved one.

Please feel welcome to contact the clergy when someone is seriously ill so that prayers and pastoral care can be given to you and your loved ones. It is a good idea to consult with the clergy before making any firm arrangements with the funeral director.

We understand that when a loved one dies, it is a very stressful time for the family.  The clergy will assist you in any way they can and help make suggestions to co-ordinate the service so that it is meaningful to the family members and those who attend the funeral.

The Church Hall is available for a reception following the funeral service. Arrangements for refreshments are to be made by family members. For an additional fee, the tables will be set for you.

The church is always grateful when family and friends make a financial contribution to the Memorial Fund of St. Matthew’s Church as a means of remembering a loved one.  St. Matthew’s Memorial Cards are available for your use in the Narthex of the church and in the Burlington Funeral Homes.