Holy Baptism

Baptism is the sacrament of initiation, marking our entry into the Body of Christ, the Church. It is the gateway to the grace of all other sacraments. In Baptism, water and the Trinitarian formula—invoking the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—are used, along with the anointing of chrism oil, signifying our welcome into the family of faith.

For infants, children, and adults, Baptism is both a work of the Holy Spirit and a sacred act of the Church. It is customarily celebrated during the Sunday Eucharist, particularly in the Easter season, on the Day of Pentecost, All Saints’ Day, and on the Sunday commemorating Jesus’ own baptism. Additional times may be arranged for pastoral reasons.

Holy Eucharist

The Eucharist—also known as the Mass or Holy Communion—is both a sacrament and a rite of initiation, often called the sacrament of unity. The word Eucharist means “thanksgiving,” and in it, we offer our whole selves to God—our joys and sorrows, struggles and peace—giving thanks and receiving ourselves back anew, united with Christ and transformed by his presence.
At St. James Church, there is a place for all at the table, where the Word of love is spoken and God’s grace is revealed.

Confirmation / Reception

The sacrament of Confirmation (from the Latin confirmare, meaning “to strengthen”) is administered by a bishop. During this rite, the one being confirmed reaffirms the promises made at their baptism. The bishop lays hands on the candidate’s head, praying: “Strengthen, O Lord, your servant with your Holy Spirit; empower them for your service; and sustain them all the days of their life.” Traditionally, the candidate is also anointed with chrism, a blessed oil mixed with balsam. This oil signifies strength, and its fragrance reminds us of the “aroma of Christ” (2 Corinthians 2:15).

For those previously confirmed in another Christian tradition, reception into the Episcopal Church is administered through the laying on of hands by the bishop during the rite. If you are a member of St. James and are interested in Confirmation, Reception, or reaffirming your baptismal covenant at a Confirmation service, please contact the priest.

Marriage

A wedding is a joyous celebration of two people entering into the sacramental covenant of matrimony before God, their families, and their friends. At St. In James’ Church, marriage is a sacred rite in which the priest, acting on behalf of the Church, pronounces God’s blessing upon a couple’s union and seeks God’s grace to sustain them throughout their life together, helping them fulfill their vows to one another.
To be married in the Church, at least one person must be a baptized Christian. The marriage must be witnessed by two legal adults and conform to the laws of the Commonwealth of New York as well as the Canons of the Episcopal Diocese of New York.
All couples seeking to be married at St. James’ Episcopal Church, will engage in a series of conversations with the priest about the sacramental nature of love and married life. For couples who do not live near Oneonta, these conversations can be arranged via Zoom.

Funerals

As God’s people, we face death not with fear, but with hope—trusting in the love that opens our eyes to see beyond death. In the light of Jesus’ resurrection, each Christian is encouraged to prepare for death by pre-planning the details of their funeral as a final gift to those they love. Doing so helps ease the burden on family and friends during their time of loss and grief.
For members of St. James’ Church, funerals are an act of worship in which we commemorate the departed and give thanks to God for their life. Within the context of the Holy Eucharist, we commend them to God’s eternal care while finding comfort and strength in one another.
St. James’ Church also provides space in the Columbarium for members who wish to have their ashes interred.

Anointing of the Sick/Pastoral Care

The Anointing of the Sick, also known as Holy Unction, is a sacrament of healing offered through prayer, the laying on of hands, and anointing with oil. This sacred act brings comfort, strength, and God’s grace to those who are ill or in need of healing.
Holy Communion is also available to the sick and homebound. Those unable to attend church regularly may receive Communion at home as part of ongoing pastoral care.
If you would like a pastoral visit or to receive Communion at home, please contact the church office.