A brief explanation is provided here, but most of the formation for these stages of Christian maturity is undertaken in community with clergy support.
Baptism
Photos: Tyler Espinoza
This sacrament of grace is offered on holy days throughout the year. It is available to infants or anyone who would like to be baptized.
Preparation for this sacrament varies according to age—from meeting with parents and Godparents to hosting a Baptism retreat for middle school children to working with adults—there are a variety of different ways to prepare for this sacrament of initiation and inclusion into the body of Christ.
Click here to indicate your interest in exploring this sacrament.
Upcoming Baptism dates:
The Sunday after All Saints Day, 10:00am, November 9, 2025
First Sunday after the Epiphany, 10:00am, January 11, 2026
Easter Vigil, 8:00pm, April 4, 2026
First Sunday after Easter, 10:00am, April 12
Saint Philip’s Day, 10:00am, May 3, 2026
Pentecost, 10:00am, May 24, 2026
Solemn Communion
In the Episcopal Church children are welcome to receive Communion as soon as they are baptized, even as infants, so this is not “First Communion.” Rather, it is an opportunity for the children to deepen their experience of the Eucharist.
Children who are in 3rd grade (or thereabouts) who have participated in the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd atria gather as a group for six afternoon sessions (over the course of six weeks). They bake communion bread, make small paschal candles, explore key points of scripture and ancient prayer practices related to Communion, and participate in a short retreat. Their preparation culminates in being recognized by the parish at a Sunday worship service.
Contact Mtr Taylor (taylor.devine@stphilipstucson.org) if you would like to explore this sacrament.
Confirmation
The sacrament of Confirmation is a rite of passage. The candidates confirm their intentions to assume the privileges and responsibilities of being full members in the community of faith. Confirmed parishioners may serve on the Vestry, be elected as delegates to diocesan and national conventions, and generally participate in leadership positions within the parish.
Contact Fr Matthew (matthew.reese@stphilipstucson.org) if you would like to explore this sacrament.
Reception
Like Confirmation, Reception is a public affirmation where candidates profess their faith and renew the Baptismal Covenant. Typically, candidates for reception were confirmed in another Christian denomination.
Contact Fr Matthew (matthew.reese@stphilipstucson.org) if you would like to explore being Received.
Reaffirmation
The rite of Reaffirmation is celebrated by confirmed Episcopalians who wish to publicly reaffirm their Baptismal Covenant to the bishop and community. It is comparable to a married couple publicly reaffirming their vows at significant times in their marriage.
Contact Fr Matthew (matthew.reese@stphilipstucson.org) if you would like to explore Reaffirmation.