spiritual Education

Baptism: Baptismis full initiation by water and the Holy Spirit into Christ’s Body of the Church. In Baptism, God establishes an indissoluble bond between Himself and the person baptized. This sacrament requires advance preparation on the part of the priest, parents, sponsors and/or godparents, including instruction and the completion of the necessary forms. Holy Baptism is usually administered within the Eucharist on a Sunday or other feast day (see page 299 in the Book of Common Prayer: “Holy Baptism”). For more information please contact Father Ray at the church office at 689-1099.

Episcopal Foundations—Learn about our Episcopal tradition—our history, worship, theology, and ethics—at a Thursday evening class for eight weeks this winter. Watch this space for more information in the near future

Cursillo: Cursillo is a short course in Christianity offered by lay leaders and clergy, usually in a retreat like setting over a weekend. To some it’s a new breath of life, a dynamic new expression of the Holy Spirit. Cursillo is the experience of living for three days in a community of persons who are consciously trying to live as Christians. Part of the purpose of a Cursillo weekend is to help us recognize Christ’s action in our lives and the lives of others. The word Cursillo means ‘Christian living’; the long name is Cursillo de Cristiandad or ‘a short course in Christian living’, and is pronounced Kur-see-yo. Cursillo is Joy, Love, New Life, Renewal, Learning, Discussing, Listening, Changing, and Growing. “A Cursillo Weekend is three days long... But it can last a lifetime!” You will have the opportunity to share your thoughts and ideas of Christianity with others. For more information visit the following websites:
www.cursilloncal.org and www.episcopalcursillo.org.
If you are interested in attending a Cursillo weekend please contact Father Ray at the church office at 689-1099.

Brotherhood of St. Andrew:"The sole object of said corporation shall be the spread of Christ's Kingdom among men." so reads the Act of Incorporation passed by the U.S. Congress and signed by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1908. This has been the "object" of The Brotherhood of St. Andrew since our founding in 1883. The Brotherhood of St. Andrew is an organization for men within the Episcopal Church and is dedicated to the spread of Christ's Kingdom, among men and youth, through prayer, study, and service. The Brotherhood chapter at St. Mary's was formed in the fall of 2005 and meets on the third Friday of the month for dinner. If you're interested in learning more about this group, please contact Mark Voskuil at the church office at 689-1099.

Daughters of the King:The Daughters of the King, (DOK) founded in 1885, is an Order for women of the Episcopal Church who are willing to commit themselves to a community of prayer. Members undertake a Rule of Life that incorporates prayer, service, and evangelism dedicated to the spread of Christ's Kingdom and strengthening the spiritual life of the parish. Daughters of the King have made the commitment to serve God and wear crosses as an outward and visible sign that they cannot live a day without Christ in their lives. They are a community of nurturing women, accepting all people, bridging differences and cherishing traditions. Moving toward the 21st century, empowered by the Holy Spirit, their vision is to encourage and enable all to be reflections of God's love, reaching out through prayer, service, and evangelism to spread His kingdom. Our St. Mary's-Elk Grove chapter was formed in January, 2005. With its primary service designated by the Rector, our daily vow of prayer is for the clergy and their families, all members in our parish, and all lay ministers. We work to serve our King in prayer both for our parish and our Order worldwide. We meet regularly on the 1st Tuesday of every month at 7:00 p.m. at St. Mary's Episcopal Church starting in March 2008. We will be doing short bible studies. Individuals interested in becoming a Daughter complete a 12-lesson study. All are welcome to come and see what we are about. For more information please contact Coline McNeil.