Sacraments

Baptism
Holy Baptism is a wonderful service of inclusion in the family of God. All baptisms at
Good Shepherd are public, held in the context of a principal service and on dates
appropriate to the church year or as determined by the rector. Active members,
newcomers, or people with previous affiliation with Good Shepherd are eligible to receive
the sacrament of Holy Baptism. Completion of an at-home preparation curriculum for
parents is required prior to the desired baptismal date. For more information, contact the
Church Office.

Confirmation/Adult Membership
This rite is the mark of spiritual adulthood in the eyes of the Church, when one makes a
public, adult confirmation of one's baptismal vows. Youth and adults are eligible to be
presented to the Bishop for confirmation. The bishops of the Episcopal Diocese of
Maryland conduct most confirmations during Eastertide (the six weeks after Easter).

After an initial meeting with a member of the clergy, interested persons prepare
themselves using a journal for guidance. Preparation requirements include such things
as reading through one Gospel, participating in an outreach activity with a spiritual
dimension, as well as regular participation in corporate worship. The minimum age for
confirmation is 15.

For adults from a different denominational background who wish to become an official
member of the Episcopal Church, Confirmation is the means to that end. If one has
been confirmed in another denomination (by the laying on of hands of a bishop), one
may be officially "received" instead. For those coming from a different denomination,
participation in an Inquirers' Class qualifies one to be eligible for reception.

Marriage
Christian marriage is a three-way covenantal bond between a bride, a groom, and God.
Those eligible to be married at Good Shepherd include any current member, family
member who grew up in the parish, a newcomer who has been an active communicant
for at least six months, or someone with pastoral connection to the parish. Six
pre-marital counseling sessions are required: two with the clergy and four with PCSM
(Pastoral Counseling Services of Maryland). There are various necessary fees and
restrictions as well. For more information, contact the Church Office.

Christian Burial
Anyone may be buried from The Church of the Good Shepherd. The clergy should be
notified as soon as possible following the death, and a variety of liturgies are possible,
following the guidelines of The Book of Common Prayer. Interment in our columbarium
is an option. For more information, contact the Church Office.