| Pastoral Care
Baptism
Holy Baptism is full initiation by water and the Holy Spirit into
Christ’s Body the Church; the bond that God established in
Baptism is indissoluble. Holy Baptism at Nativity is celebrated
during a regularly scheduled service, where the whole church family
can witness to and celebrate new life in Christ. Each candidate
for Holy Baptism is sponsored by two or more baptized persons. Sponsors
and parents receive instruction in the meaning of Baptism, in their
duties to help the new Christian grow in the knowledge and love
of God, and their responsibilities as members of the Church. Please
call the office for further information and application.
Baptisms are scheduled on the following dates:
Third Sunday in September..............10:30 AM
Sunday after All Saints Day............…10:30 AM
First Sunday after Epiphany..............10:30 AM
Third Sunday in February..............….10:30 AM
Easter Eve......................................10:30 AM
Pentecost......................................10:00 AM
Third Sunday in July........................10:00 AM
Canon Missioner
The mission of the Church is described in the Catechism as
follows: The mission of the Church is to restore all people to unity
with God and each other in Christ. The Church pursues its mission
as it prays and worships, proclaims the Gospel, and promotes justice,
peace, and love. The Church carries out its mission through the
ministry of all its members.
The Cathedral Church of the Nativity has made the commitment to
join With a number of its sister Churches and remain in South Bethlehem,
not as a monument, but as a living, dynamic presence of the Gospel
of Christ promoting justice, peace, love, and reconciliation. South
Bethlehem is truly a community in transition and thus a community
in need of the hope and promise of the Gospel of Christ. Built around
steel and once dominated by that mighty industry, South Bethlehem
now looks to a future without that overwhelming presence and focus.
The stability and security that came from a single entity will be
found in the future in the cooperation of cultures, institutions,
businesses and ethnic groups. The Churches of South Bethlehem, as
the bearers of the Gospel of reconciliation and the promoters of
“justice, peace and love,” have the God given responsibility
and privilege to be instruments in forging that cooperation. This
Cathedral is called to that responsibility and privilege no less
than its sister Churches.
The demographics of South Bethlehem reveal the complexity of this
field of mission. There are 18,000 residents in South Bethlehem.
This population is made up of an ethnic mixture of which 70% is
Latino. South Bethlehem is becoming a center for small retail shops,
the arts, artisans, and ethnic and specialty restaurants. Yet to
come are the inevitable population shifts that changing economic
and social conditions bring to every community. This complexity
has already and will continue to provide for excitement, energy
and great expectations on one hand; and agitation, contention and
suspicion on the other.
The Dean, Wardens and Vestry of the Cathedral Church of the Nativity
share a common, if emerging, vision of this venerable institution
as a lively and relevant presence in South Bethlehem in the 21st.
Century and the 3rd. Millennium of the Christian Church. We rejoice
that our Bishop shares this vision with us. To enable us in fulfilling
this vision, we have established the position of Canon Missioner
and have called the Reverend Joel Atkinson to that position.
Confirmation
Confirmation is an adult reaffirmation of Christian commitment.
Teenagers are confirmed through the Journey to Adulthood formation
program. Inquirer’s Classes are held in the fall and spring
for adults who wish to refresh their knowledge about the teachings
of the Church and/or are considering Confirmation. Dates and subjects
for these classes are announced in the monthly Parish
Visitor and in the weekly News and Information insert.
Crisis or Special Needs
The Clergy are available at any time in case of an emergency. Please
do not hesitate to contact the clergy in any crisis situation.
Death
When a death occurs, the Clergy wish to be called immediately, even
in the middle of the night. Cathedral Clergy especially appreciate
being called before the funeral director is notified. The clergy
can help guide you through burial arrangements and other issues
associated with death. The Cathedral burial liturgies are conducted
in the church and at grave side. The Memorial Garden outside the
office is the resting place for the created remains of members of
our parish family. Arrangements for interment should be made through
the Cathedral office. The fee for interment in the Memorial Garden
is $100 and covers the cost Of maintaining the Garden, preparing
the grave, and preparing and installing the bronze plaque. There
is a pamphlet available in the office and on the table at the back
of the sanctuary with additional information concerning funerals.
You may call the parish office during office hours for additional
information.
Holy Eucharist
The Celebration of the Holy Eucharist is the central act of worship
of the Christian community. The People of God gather at the Altar
of the Lord to receive the loving and gracious food of life as they
partake of the body and blood of their Lord Jesus who is the Messiah
of God. As is the norm in the Episcopal Church, all who are baptized
with water in the name of the Trinity are welcome to communicate.
Parents who wish their baptized infants to receive should inform
the priest as she or he comes to them. The priest will administer
to the infant and parents should assist as necessary. All children
are invited to the Communion rail, however if they are not planning
to receive, we request that they fold their arms over their chest.
Holy Unction
Anointing with Holy Oil is available at all times, and is especially
appropriate during any serious illness of body, mind, or spirit.
Homebound
Regular visits to those who are homebound are made by the clergy.
Holy Communion is available upon request. If you or a member of
your Family is homebound for any reason and would like the Clergy
to call, Please contact the office.
Hospital Calls
The clergy visit area hospitals several times weekly. Holy Communion
is available upon request. Lay Eucharistic Ministers, working under
clergy supervision also visit local hospitals and nursing homes
on a regular schedule. Under the new privacy act the staff can no
longer call the hospital to obtain the names of members who have
been hospitalized. If you or a member of your family is going to
the hospital or going to be admitted to a nursing home, it is necessary
that you call the church office to inform the staff, so that this
ministry of the Church can be brought to you or your family member.
Marriage
The canons of the Episcopal Church require that couples contemplating
marriage receive pre-marital instruction. The Cathedral has prepared
a Wedding Folder which is available in the church office and on
the table at the back of the church. It answers many questions concerning
the counseling and the service. Couples desiring to be married in
the Cathedral should schedule an appointment through the Dean’s
office.
Pastoral Counseling
Counseling is available by appointment. Clergy consider this service
to be a reflection of their priestly commitment to God, rather than
a “professional activity”. There are no fees.
The Sacrament of Penance
Episcopalians make their confession corporately during the Eucharist.
In addition, appointments may be made with the Clergy of the Parish
for the hearing of private sacramental confession. |
