Weddings & Funerals
Marriage at St. Paul’s
Weddings: Making a Commitment of Love
In the Episcopal Church, weddings are celebrated as joyful worship services. The service includes scripture, prayer, and can include communion. The wedding ceremony is a Christian worship service, and celebrates a couple’s commitment to one another to bring out the best in one another. We recognize that partnership is a spiritual discipline, and so the service asks for the support of God and the community.
At St. Paul’s, we officiate weddings for straight, gay, lesbian, and queer couples. Because we believe that marriage is a spiritual discipline best exercised in a community, we expect that couples seeking marriage at St. Paul’s are previously known to the congregation or members of the congregation. At this time, we are not able to provide the church as a wedding venue for those not affiliated with the church.
FAQ
If you are a member of St. Paul’s and are interested in being married in the church, please call the church office to begin scheduling. The presiding priest will work with you to set a date, plan for premarital counseling, and begin planning the liturgy. Premarital counseling is required and includes discussion of the relationship, the theology of marriage, and the couple’s approach to the wedding vows.
Both parties do not need to be baptized or confirmed Episcopalian. Baptism and confirmation in any Christian denomination is recognized in our church. Because the service is a Christian worship service, we do ask that each party be comfortable and confident using the prayers and Christian language in the service. If the couple is interfaith, it is appropriate to work together with a leader in both party’s faith traditions.
In the Episcopal Church we are required to use one of two marriage liturgies. The first can be found in the Book of Common Prayer. The second has more informal and gender-inclusive language. Wedding services include song, scripture, the exchanging of vows and rings. The couple can also choose to have communion. The vows made between partners are prescribed for the couple.
Yes. St. Paul’s is happy to bless existing civil unions or civil marriages for members and their families. Please reach out to the church office and the rector for more information.
Yes. Previously divorced persons may be married at St. Paul’s. As a formality, the presiding priest must obtain permission from the bishop of the diocese. Because we believe that marriage is a spiritual discipline exercised in community, we do expect the couple to be known to the church before beginning a conversation about a wedding.
Marriage is for all.
In the Episcopal Church, marriage is recognized as a covenant between two people who make a commitment of love and fidelity to each other before God. All couples regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity may be married at St. Paul’s.
Honoring a Loved one after a passing
Memorial Services and Funerals
A priest from St. Paul’s is happy to do a burial or funeral service for any member of the community. Funerals are done from the Book of Common Prayer. The church also provides resources for planning a funeral before the time of death. Please see below and reach out to the parish office to discuss a funeral or funeral planning support at office@stpaulsduluth.org.
Planning A Funeral When a Loved One Has Died
When a loved one has died, please call the parish office to share the news with us. If the deceased is a member of the parish, it is customary for the Rector to send out an email announcement. The deceased will also be prayed for in the Prayers of the People in the coming Sunday. The parish office will work with the family to set a date for the service and plan the logistics of the service. We strongly recommend working with a funeral home to assist you with the logistics of the service. St. Paul’s has worked with Dougherty’s Funeral Home for generations.
Planning A Funeral Before the Time of Death
The church encourages families to discuss funerals ahead of time, and to discuss the elements of the worship service with their loved ones while it is possible. The church is able to keep funeral plans on file for any member of the church. Sometimes, it can be helpful for families to discuss the details of a funeral service to open the way to deeper conversations about end of life. Please see the planning packet below to begin the conversation. For elders in the community, we try to have contact information for next of kin on file. Please know that hospitals are not allowed to contact churches unless there is an express written directive. We rely on the family to notify us if a member of the church is near death or in need of a priest. It is appropriate for the family to call the priest at time of death, so that the customary prayers may be said.
Burials
St. Paul’s will do a funeral or burial for any member of the community. Please reach out to the parish office at 218-724-3535 to inquire.