Baptisms

Baptism is a significant sacrament that marks the initiation of a person into the Christian faith and the life of the Church. It is rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ, who was himself baptized and instructed his followers to baptize others.

The rite of Baptism involves the use of water, which symbolizes purification, new life, and the washing away of sin. The act of baptizing—whether by sprinkling, pouring, or immersing—is a powerful symbol of spiritual cleansing and rebirth.

Infants are baptized with the understanding that their parents and godparents will guide them in the Christian faith until they are old enough to make their own declarations of faith. Adults can be baptized after a period of instruction and preparation.

The entire congregation participates in the baptismal service, reaffirming their own commitment to the faith and promising to support and nurture the baptized person in their Christian journey.

Weddings
A church wedding is a joyful and deeply meaningful sacrament, which is to say that it is one of the most sacred occasions in the lives of individuals and of the Church. At St. James we understand marriage to be a physical and spiritual union, entered into within the community of faith, by mutual consent of heart, mind and will, and with intent that it be life-long.
We are committed to equal marriage. We welcome requests for all weddings, regardless of gender identity or orientation. The clergy of St. James are happy to discuss your particular situation with you in confidence and to work with you and support you in whatever ways we can.
Funerals
The death of a loved one is always difficult and the clergy of St. James are available to meet and pray with you, and to assist in the planning of a funeral service. It is an honour for us to accompany you during this time, and to offer a place of hospitality and welcome. Funeral and memorial services at St. James are distinctively Christian, being based on the liturgies of the Church, but are shaped around the life of the person we are giving thanks for.
Therefore, services are characterised by joy and by the reality that nothing can separate us from the love of God, even as we honour the very real grief that comes when someone we love, or struggle to love, has died.
Information on Burials at St. James