Worship

Holy Baptism
Baptism is the sacrament of initiation, marking our entry into the Body of Christ, the Church. It is the gateway to the grace of all other sacraments. In Baptism, water and the Trinitarian formula—invoking the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—are used, along with the anointing of chrism oil, signifying our welcome into the family of faith.

For infants, children, and adults, Baptism is both a work of the Holy Spirit and a sacred act of the Church. It is customarily celebrated during the Sunday Eucharist, particularly in the Easter season, on the Day of Pentecost, All Saints’ Day, and on the Sunday commemorating Jesus’ own baptism. Additional times may be arranged for pastoral reasons.

Holy Eucharist
The Eucharist—also known as the Mass or Holy Communion—is both a sacrament and a rite of initiation, often called the sacrament of unity. The word Eucharist means “thanksgiving,” and in it, we offer our whole selves to God—our joys and sorrows, struggles and peace—giving thanks and receiving ourselves back anew, united with Christ and transformed by his presence.

In the house that bears Mary’s name, we proclaim that her Son, Jesus—the embodiment of God’s life—has forever broken the power of death through the embrace of love. Everyone is invited into that life. At St. Mary of the Harbor, there is a place for all at the table, where the Word of love is spoken and God’s grace is revealed.

Confirmation/Reception
The sacrament of Confirmation (from the Latin confirmare, meaning “to strengthen”) is administered by a bishop. During this rite, the one being confirmed reaffirms the promises made at their baptism. The bishop lays hands on the candidate’s head, praying: “Strengthen, O Lord, your servant with your Holy Spirit; empower them for your service; and sustain them all the days of their life.” Traditionally, the candidate is also anointed with chrism, a blessed oil mixed with balsam. This oil signifies strength, and its fragrance reminds us of the “aroma of Christ” (2 Corinthians 2:15).

For those previously confirmed in another Christian tradition, reception into the Episcopal Church is administered through the laying on of hands by the bishop during the rite. If you are a member of St. Mary of the Harbor and are interested in Confirmation, Reception, or reaffirming your baptismal covenant at a Confirmation service, please contact the priest.

Marriage
A wedding is a joyous celebration of two people entering into the sacramental covenant of matrimony before God, their families, and their friends. At St. Mary of the Harbor, marriage is a sacred rite in which the priest, acting on behalf of the Church, pronounces God’s blessing upon a couple’s union and seeks God’s grace to sustain them throughout their life together, helping them fulfill their vows to one another.

To be married in the Church, at least one person must be a baptized Christian. The marriage must be witnessed by two legal adults and conform to the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts as well as the Canons of the Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts.

All couples seeking to be married at St. Mary of the Harbor will engage in a series of conversations with the priest about the sacramental nature of love and married life. For couples who do not live near Provincetown, these conversations can be arranged via Zoom.

Funerals
As God’s people, we face death not with fear, but with hope—trusting in the love that opens our eyes to see beyond death. In the light of Jesus’ resurrection, each Christian is encouraged to prepare for death by preplanning the details of their funeral as a final gift to those they love. Doing so helps ease the burden on family and friends during their time of loss and grief.

For members of St. Mary of the Harbor, funerals are an act of worship in which we commemorate the departed and give thanks to God for their life. Within the context of the Holy Eucharist, we commend them to God’s eternal care while finding comfort and strength in one another.

St. Mary of the Harbor also provides space in the churchyard for members who wish to have their ashes interred.

Anointing of the Sick/ Pastoral Care
The Anointing of the Sick, also known as Holy Unction, is a sacrament of healing offered through prayer, the laying on of hands, and anointing with oil. This sacred act brings comfort, strength, and God’s grace to those who are ill or in need of healing.

Holy Communion is also available to the sick and homebound. Those unable to attend church regularly may receive Communion at home as part of ongoing pastoral care.

If you would like a pastoral visit or to receive Communion at home, please contact the church office.

Confession
In the Anglican/Episcopal tradition, confession and absolution—God’s gift of forgiveness—are most often experienced in the gathered community. During worship, the priest invites everyone to reflect on their sins, leading the congregation in a prayer of general confession, followed by the pronouncement of God’s forgiveness, accompanied by the sign of the cross.

However, the practice of personal confession, known as Reconciliation of a Penitent, is also an important ministry within the Episcopal Church. While not required, it is available to anyone seeking a more personal experience of God’s mercy. This sacrament is often called a sacrament of joy, as it brings deep healing and renewal. Priests are bound by the seal of confession, meaning they can never disclose anything shared with them in this sacred act.

If you would like to learn more or wish to make a private confession, please contact the priest.

Ordination
Ordination, or Holy Orders, is a sacrament through which God bestows particular authority and grace upon those called to serve as deacons, priests, and bishops. Through the laying on of hands by a bishop, the Holy Spirit strengthens and equips them for their ministry. These three sacred orders, established in the early Church, continue to guide and serve the people of God today.

Ordination is a lifelong vocation of prayer and service, undertaken not in isolation, but with the love, support, and prayers of the whole community, who are partners in ministry.