Adults wishing to make a declaration of their Christian faith either in Baptism, Confirmation or reception into the Episcopal Church from another faith tradition are encouraged to take part in ad education process conducted by the Rector. Adults interested in this process, or those who are unsure but would like to explore their faith more fully may direct inquiries to David Anderson at david.anderson@saintlukesdarien.org.

Baptism is offered in the context of Sunday worship services children of Saint Luke's members or families with a strong connection to Saint Luke's. Both parents and all godparents are expected to participate in a children's Baptism Preparation Program of readings and instruction. Preparation is also offered for adult baptism. Please call the parish office at 203-655-1456 for available instruction and baptism dates.

Yes please do! This is always encouraged, especially if your child is feeling nervous about attending. We welcome all youth! So please bring a friend from any and all faith backgrounds.

Baptism is a full initiation into membership of the church; therefore, even infants or small children may receive communion, a decision entrusted to parents. Our resources to learn about Holy Eucharist include Communion Prep classes for children of all ages and their parents. The class consists of a seder feast for the family that helps make the connection between our heritage and Jesus' last supper. It is offered three Wednesday evenings a year at 5:30 p.m. in the Parish Hall. Please call the parish office at 203-655-1456 for a schedule of classes.

Children are welcome at all services at Saint Luke's. If you would prefer, childcare is available every Sunday from 7:45-11:30 a.m.  During the academic year, we offer Church School for children of all ages at 9:50 a.m. in the Education Building. During the summer, children are invited to join a story-teller following the reading of the Gospel and rejoin their parents at the Peace.

Confirmation is an adult affirmation of vows taken on behalf of a child at Baptism. Confirmands must be in the 8th grade or older. Youth confirmation classes are held from September to April. Pre-Confirmation classes for 6th and 7th graders provide a biblical framework for Confirmation preparation. Please email David Anderson for more information.

Office hours are Monday - Friday 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., with the exception of mid-June to end of August when the office closes at noon on Fridays.

Please e-mail us at welcome@saintlukesdarien.org and let us know what your question is!

Couples may be married at Saint Luke's Church or Chapel. It is our custom to plan weddings a year in advance, particularly if either party had had a previous marriage. A minimum of six months is requested. At least one of the persons being married needs to have been baptized. Required preparation includes an Engaged Workshop and three sessions of pre-marital counseling. All inquiries may be made through the church office at 203-655-1456.

Christian burial is typically preceded by a worship service held in the church. Clergy are available for pastoral support and planning burial arrangements. If a casket is in the church, it is closed and covered with a pall or suitable covering, symbolizing the equality of all before God. Flowers in the church are displayed only at the altar. Those who wish to memorialize a loved one may make contributions to the Book of Remembrance, Sunday Altar Flowers Program or Holiday Music Program. Ashes of parishioners may be interred in the Saint Luke's Columbarium. For more information, please call the parish office at 203-655-1456.

Any person who is baptized and who is an adult is eligible to become a Member. All baptized adults who wish to join Saint Luke’s are asked to follow the process described below, including former members of, Episcopalians from other churches and individuals from other religious traditions.

In order to give people the knowledge they need to make informed decisions, all potential members must attend a Newcomers Orientation Program, which is offered three times a year. The Orientation is lead by clergy and lay persons and will address basic questions about the Episcopal Church and our fundamental beliefs and practices as Episcopal Christians. It will also describe Saint Luke’s own history and mission priorities and articulate what we expect of members of the Parish.

 

After completion of the Orientation Program, newcomers will be invited to join the Parish by signing a statement of Intent to become a Member. People who are not ready to join will be assured that they may continue to visit as long as they like. Those who are ready will be asked to attend a Welcome Liturgy, in which they will stand with the congregation, participate in the liturgy of commitment and be welcomed by the congregation. Participation in this service is encouraged but not required. By attending the Orientation Program and signing the statement of intent to join, a person becomes a Member as of the date of the next Welcome Liturgy, whether or not they actually attends the service on that date.

Upon becoming a Member, a person is listed in our Parish Directory, is entitled to be treated as a member for purposes of Parish School registration, and is expected to participate in the financial support of the Parish, by pledging or by other means.

Sunday altar flowers may be given in memory of a loved one, in thanksgiving for someone special or to celebrate a particular occasion. Arrangements may be made by contacting Ginny Lovas at 203-866-0737 or fcfso@aol.com.  Following the Sunday services, flowers are delivered to parishioners who are ill or shut-in.

There is a place for everyone to participate in the music at Saint Luke's.

The Primary Choir is for our youngest singers in Kindergarten and 1st grade. They sing at selected times of the year and practices are on Thursdays from 4:45 p.m. to 5:15 p.m.

The Junior Choir is for those in grades 2-4. They usually sing at the family services and special seasonal services. They practice on Thursdays frm 5:30-6:30 p.m.

The Senior Choir of Boys and Girls suaully sings weekly at the main service and for special seasonal services and Evensongs. They usually practice on Thursdays from 7:00-8:30 p.m. The choir's repertoire is challenging and has included recordings and tours.

The Adult Choir sings together with the Senior Boys and Girls Choir and on their own at regular and special seasonal services. Anyone with the ability to match a pitch and who can be in regular attendance is welcome.

The Congregational Choir is open to all on an open call basis. Rehearsals and services as announced.

The Chimers Guild is a new group of parishioners of all ages who play our chime of bells before and after services and on other occasions. Anyone with rudimentary keyboard skills can learn to play hymns and melodies from the bell clavier.