Rites of Passage

What are ‘Rites of Passage?’

Life is full of sacred moments—times when we pause to mark God’s presence in our journey. In the Episcopal Church, we call these milestones rites of passage, and they include moments like baptism, confirmation, marriage, and funerals. Each one is grounded in the belief that God is with us through every stage of life, offering grace, guidance, and belonging.

At St. Peter’s, we honor these rites not as isolated ceremonies, but as part of a lifelong walk with God in community.

Baptism

A woman smiling and with hands in prayer position, interacts with a young girl in a white dress held by a man in a gray suit, outdoors with sunlight and wooden walls in the background.

Thinking about baptism for yourself or your child? At St. Peter’s, baptism is a joyful, community-wide celebration where we welcome new life into the Body of Christ. Whether you're new to church or exploring faith, we offer preparation classes in community—because this sacred journey is meant to be walked together.

Confirmation & Reception

  • Group of young students in formal attire standing outdoors in front of a brick wall and trees.

    Confirmation

    The sacrament of confirmation is the means by which an individual, after due preparation, makes a mature public affirmation of their faith. In the tradition going back to the early church, the bishop will lay hands on the individual and affirm the Holy Spirit at work in their life.

    This sacrament is available to all baptized members of the church, whether or not their baptism was in the Episcopal Church or another denomination.

    Confirmation normally occurs once a year at the annual visitation of the Diocesan Bishop. "Due preparation" includes participating in age-appropriate spiritual formation, usually on Sunday mornings, over the course of one or two years.  

  • A woman dressed as a bishop, wearing a mitre and cape, holding a scepter, smiling inside a church with wooden paneling and candles.

    Reception

    Reception is the means by which a member of the church, who has been confirmed in another Christian denomination in apostolic succession (Roman Catholic, Orthodox and some Lutheran denominations), makes a public affirmation of their faith, receives the laying on of hands by the bishop and is received as a confirmed member of the Episcopal Church.

Ask about Confirmation or Reception

Weddings

A wedding ceremony taking place inside a church with a bride and groom standing before a minister, surrounded by bridesmaids and groomsmen, with a wooden cross hanging above. The right side shows a close-up of the bride smiling and talking to the groom during the ceremony.
Wedding ceremony inside a church with bridesmaids and a young girl standing in the congregation, and the bride walking down the aisle with a man, possibly her father, during the processional.

If you are considering St. Peter’s Church as the venue for the blessing of your marriage, we would love to talk with you and hope we can assist you as you prepare for your life-long union.

For all marriages, at least one of the parties must be a baptized Christian. In the case of remarriage, at least one party must be an Episcopalian. All weddings at St. Peter’s are under the direction of the rector or staff clergy, are coordinated by our wedding guild and any decisions about the wedding must be made in consultation with them.

Except under extraordinary circumstances, no weddings will performed from Ash Wednesday through Easter. As to scheduling, it is always a wise decision to contact the church first before trying to find a place for your reception. No wedding can be scheduled less than 90 days prior to the planned date for the ceremony. If either party has been previously married, an additional 30 days will be required. It is recommended to schedule your wedding between six months to a year in advance. It takes quite a long time to plan a wedding well.

If you would like further information, please read our Wedding Guidelines. Once you have read them, please call the office, (858) 755-1616, to schedule an appointment with a priest.

It is our hope that your wedding will be a joyous celebration and expression of your mutual love. This day will always be remembered as one of the happiest and blessed days of your life together, especially because you are entering your marriage with God at the center.

Funerals & Memorial Services

A bouquet of pink and white flowers, including daisies and lisianthus, on a wooden surface.

We hope we can be of service to you as you mourn the loss of your loved one and consider the way in which you will celebrate their life. Whether you are seeking a Christian burial or memorial service, or assistance with a graveside interment, we would be happy to assist you however we can. While most of our funerals are provided for our deceased members, we regularly provide services for families in our wider community who have no church affiliation. The guidelines below will outline some of the choices you may make as you plan the funeral or memorial service, as well as the expenses that may be associated, depending on your choices. (There is no fee for the use of the church, nor for the clergy in officiating, but there is normally an honorarium for musicians and other personnel, and there are fees associated with engaging the parish hall for a reception).

We are sorry for your loss and would welcome the opportunity to assist you in any way we can during this difficult time. Please call the parish office at 858-755-1616 to set up a time to meet with a clergyperson, and to check the calendar for availability.