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Holy Baptism is the sacrament - the outward and visible sign of the inward and spiritual grace - by which we become full members of the church. Any baptized person, from the tiniest baby to the oldest adult, is a full member of the church and is welcome to receive communion and to participate in the life of the church. You do not have to be re-baptized to join the Episcopal Church.

At Ascension, we have four occasions each year when Baptisms are performed. We baptize people who are willing to commit to the promises of the Baptismal Covenant (Prayer Book pages 304 and 305) and who want to participate regularly in the life of this parish. Prior to the baptism, parents or candidates must attend an orientation.

Confirmation

In the Episcopal Church, confirmation is the way baptized people make a mature, public affirmation of faith, claiming the promises that were made on their behalf in baptism. At Ascension, adults prepare for confirmation in a four-session Covenant Class. Children aged 15 or older may attend the Youth Confirmation Retreat. Confirmation was offered at the National Cathedral on November 3, 2007.

Marriage

One of the greatest and most joyous decisions in life is the decision to marry. The clergy and staff at Ascension are delighted to help couples unite in marriage. Our policies and premarital preparation processes are designed to help that union be a lifelong and loving one.

• All persons considering marriage at Ascension must begin working with the clergy and office staff at least four to six months prior to the wedding date.
• The Episcopal Church requires that at least one of the persons being married be a baptized Christian.
• At Ascension, we also require that the couple regularly attend services here, and if they are not already members, to explore the possibility of becoming members at Ascension.
• The couple must attend at least three premarital conversation sessions to help start the marriage off on the best possible foundation.
• If either the bride or groom has been divorced, the clergy person officiating at the marriage must apply to the Bishop of Washington for permission to perform the wedding. This process takes at least three months.

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