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Persons already baptized in the name of the Holy Trinity may join St. Paul’s congregation simply by documenting their baptism and enrolling at the Cathedral office. The Cathedral considers as members baptized girls and boys aged 16 or younger who are children of members. Parents generally enroll their minor children as part of their households.
To remain a member in good standing, a person must attend services at least three times per year and commit to an annual financial pledge of any amount. Members may vote in the Cathedral’s Annual Meeting and participate at certain levels in Cathedral governance, for example the Cathedral Chapter. Members receive the Cathedral’s newsletter, The Clarion.
The members of other churches that have entered into full communion with the Episcopal Church, such as the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, may share in the Holy Eucharist and other sacraments on the same footing as Episcopal Church members.
I haven't been baptized…
Baptism, which is available to persons of all ages, is the rite of Christian initiation and the primordial sacrament of the church. The Cathedral normally baptizes on four yearly dates coinciding with certain church festivals. As a prerequisite, the Cathedral offers courses of instruction lasting several weeks. To start this process, a candidate should complete a written request form in the Cathedral office.
Holy Baptism is the sacrament by which God adopts us as his children and makes us new members of Christ’s Body, the Church, and inheritors of the kingdom of God.
I'm baptized, what's next?
Confirmation, a spiritual act, is the rite in which an Episcopalian expresses a mature commitment to Christ, and receives strength from the Holy Spirit through prayer, anointing, and the laying on of hands by a bishop. Since many have become Christian through infant baptism, Confirmation is an opportunity for an individual to make a conscious spiritual affirmation. It is generally expected of all adult, baptized members of the congregation at some time.
I've been baptized and confirmed in a different denomination…
People who have already been confirmed in a non-Episcopal Christian church may elect to be received in this ceremony presided over by a bishop.
It's been a long time since I've been to church…
Reaffirmation affords Episcopalians who have been away from the church the opportunity to reclaim their place in the church’s fellowship.
The contents of these three ceremonies are to be found in the Book of Common Prayer. All require instruction prior to the ceremony. Please inquire at the Cathedral office (619-298-7261) if you are interested in pursuing any of them.
I'm a member of a different Episcopal church…
If you have been a member of another Episcopal church, you can simply request that your membership be transferred to St. Paul's Cathedral.
To remain a member in good standing, a person must attend services at least three times per year and commit to an annual financial pledge of any amount. Members may vote in the Cathedral’s Annual Meeting and participate at certain levels in Cathedral governance, for example the Cathedral Chapter. Members receive the Cathedral’s newsletter, The Clarion.
The members of other churches that have entered into full communion with the Episcopal Church, such as the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, may share in the Holy Eucharist and other sacraments on the same footing as Episcopal Church members.
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