Funerals

Our Christian faith is centered on the belief in the resurrected Christ, who affirms a life beyond this life. With this belief, the reality of death can still be difficult. When a death occurs, you are encouraged to contact the Church as soon as possible. This can be a time, no matter how well-prepared one is, of confusion and stress. We can help to provide both pastoral care to you and your family and to assist in making arrangements for a funeral service or a memorial commemoration. 

Memorials

There are many opportunities to commemorate and remember a loved one. A financial gift can be made in honour of your loved one towards a ministry, program or fund that is meaningful and significant to you or your loved one. In addition, you are welcome to make a financial gift towards church operations such as flowers, bulletins, wine and host in memory of your loved ones. 

Please contact the Cathedral Office for specific information on making a memorial gift.

Marriage

A wedding is a joyous occasion to mark the start of a marriage between two people. Let us help you in preparing to celebrate this important day in your lives. As you think about and plan for your wedding day and marriage, you are encouraged to contact the Cathedral Office as one of the first steps. We require a minimum of 90 days notice before scheduling a wedding at the Cathedral. 

Marriage in the Anglican Church is governed by National Church policies as well as local Diocesan policies and Nova Scotia Provincial law, so it is important that you discuss your intentions and plans before making firm commitments about other aspects of your anticipated wedding. 

Baptism

Baptism is a celebration of the whole community. 

“We receive you into the household of God. Confess the faith of Christ crucified, proclaim his resurrection, and share with us in his eternal priesthood.” This proclamation, from the Book of Alternative Services, which welcomes the newly baptized, reflects what Baptism is meant to be. In Baptism we both welcome people into our faith community and entrust them to join us, in word and action, in living out a life in obedience to the teachings of Jesus Christ.

While common experience in the Anglican tradition is the Baptism of newborns, there is no age limit. Baptism may take place at any age, infant to adult. Baptism has to do with commitment to a way of life, not something “to be done” out of tradition or to fulfill the expectations of others. For this reason, so-called “private Baptism” is not our common practice in the Anglican Church.

If you are considering Baptism for yourself, or for a member of your family, please contact the Cathedral office and you will be directed to one of our clergies who will be happy to discuss this important decision with you.

There are certain times in the Church calendar that are more appropriate for Baptism to be celebrated so there may be a period between your initial inquiry and the actual event. 

Confirmation

“Strengthen, O Lord, your servant with your Holy Spirit; empower them for your service; and sustain them all the days of their life”. (Book of Alternative Services)

With these words, the bishop, as chief pastor of our Diocese, places their hands upon those who desire to confirm or renew the commitment they made, or had made for them, at their Baptism.  

In the case of those who were baptized as infants, the policy of our Diocese encourages young people to have reached the age of 15 prior to Confirmation. Confirmation is to be an act of discernment and commitment. It is not a rite of passage. It is for these reasons that Confirmation involves a time of preparation, study, discussion, and reflection. Adults of any age are encouraged to consider Confirmation or to make a Reaffirmation of their Christian commitment at any time in their life journey.  

Typically, Confirmation is celebrated annually at the Cathedral in conjunction with a visit by one of our Bishops. If you wish to explore the possibility of Confirmation, Reaffirmation, or to be formally Received into the Anglican Church, please contact the Cathedral Office and one of our clergy will be happy to discuss this decision with you.