St. Paul tells the Corinthians, “Now you are the Body of Christ and individually members of it.” (1 Cor. 12:27) As you take your place in the life of Epiphany, you become a member, a part of the Body of Christ in this place. Most ministries and opportunities for ministry are open to all, and as you get involved, you will meet people, feel a part of the Church and experience Christ’s presence in your life in deeper ways; however, there are several routes by which a person ‘officially’ becomes a member of Epiphany:
Baptism
If you are already baptized in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, welcome! You are able to receive communion and participate fully in the life of the church. If you or a member of your family has not yet been baptized, we would be honored to make that happen! If you wish to join the church through baptism, please call the church office and speak with our Parish Administrator, Lisa Farrell. Baptisms are held on: (1) the feast day of The Baptism of Our Lord (January); (2) Holy Saturday at the Easter Vigil; (3) the feast of Pentecost; and (4) the feast of All Saints.
First Informed Communion
First Communion Classes are offered to all baptized children, age five and over, to introduce them to this vital sacrament of the Church. As the Book of Common Prayer states that Baptism is “Full initiation by water and the Holy Spirit into Christ’s Body, the Church,” the Episcopal Church allows infants and children to receive Communion prior to instruction in First Communion Classes and to be presented for instruction at age five or older. Class is usually offered yearly during Lent.
Confirmation
In the Episcopal Church, Confirmation is an adult profession of faith made before the Bishop, who then gives you a sacramental blessing. The Bishop of Dallas visits Epiphany periodically and prior to his visit “Inquirers’ Classes” are held to give you information about the Church, its beliefs and traditions. It is required that a person be confirmed to represent the Church on the Vestry or as a Delegate to the Diocesan Convention.
Reception
Just as the Episcopal Church does not re-baptize persons, nor does it re-confirm those who have been confirmed by Bishops in Apostolic Succession (normally Roman Catholics, Orthodox and some Lutherans). If you were confirmed in one of those traditions, instead of Confirmation, the Bishop will officially “receive” you with a prayer into the Episcopal Church.
Transfer
If you or your family have been members of another Episcopal Church, contact the Church Office and we will request a “Letter of Transfer,” which will then make you a member of the Church of the Epiphany.