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Celebrations & Memorials

We feel so privileged by taking part in profoundly important life events during times of celebration (weddings and baptisms) and times of grief (funerals and sympathy teas).

Baptism at St. Thomas’ Anglican Church Bracebridge

Baptism, Holy Communion and Confirmation

If you or any member of your family wants to explore being baptized or learn more about Holy Communion and Confirmation in the Christian faith, we would be happy to meet and discuss with you in person. If you are interested in having your baby baptized (christened) at St. Thomas' give the office a call.

Weddings at St. Thomas’ Anglican Church Bracebridge

Weddings

It is a privilege to come alongside couples at this important time. Having a church wedding is about more than location; it is a step of faith. To help you get ready for the big day, a preparation course (offered by the Rector) is required. For more information, please call the church office. Congratulations on your upcoming celebration!

  • Preparation

    The Church requires at least three months notice so that adequate arrangements can be made. Marriage preparation is mandatory, where the rector (Priest) meets with the couple for 4 or 5 sessions. Marriage preparation is a time to reflect soberly on the commitment of Christian marriage, to strengthen your relationship, and plan the service itself.

  • Music and Decorations

    Wedding music should express a Christian understanding of life. Appropriate wedding music is addressed to God in acts of prayer and praise. The organist, who is an employee of the church, will meet with you to select music and arrange a time to play for the service. There is an extra fee if there is to be a soloist, and arrangements have to be made for them to practice. 


    The altar guild prepares the church for the service. This includes changing the hangings, arranging pew decorations and flowers, and changing them back for the next service. Flowers are usually arranged in church vases. If a unity candle is desired, it is to be furnished by the bride and groom. 


    The caretaker looks after cleaning up before and after the wedding. The use of confetti or rice is not allowed either inside or outside the building.

  • Services

    There is a wedding rehearsal, a day or so prior to the actual wedding, which lasts approximately 1-1/2 hours. All wedding service participants are encouraged to be in attendance at the rehearsal. 


    The Sacrament of Holy Matrimony is a service of the Church. People are asked not to take pictures during the service. The bride and groom may wish to return for pictures after the service. Video cameras are discouraged but may be used and set to run automatically, if they are placed unobtrusively (out of direct sight). All pictures can be staged before or after the ceremony. The clergy and the altar guild are happy to co-operate.

Funeral or Memorial at St. Thomas’ Anglican Church Bracebridge

Funeral or Memorial

Your Funeral Director will help you make arrangements with us to mark the death of someone close to you. This can take place in church and/or at a local crematorium. Facing bereavement is one of the most difficult things we are called on to do in our lives. It comes to all of us at some time and we are quite unprepared for the strength and depth of the shock of personal loss. No one can grieve for us. It is a deeply personal experience and one which we deny ourselves at great peril. What can be of help is the knowledge of the support of family and friends. To contact us, please call the church office.

  • Support

    Facing bereavement is one of the most difficult things we are called on to do in our whole lives. It comes to all of us at some time and we can be quite unprepared for the strength and depth of the shock of personal loss. What can be of help is the knowledge of the support of family and friends. If there is any way in which the Church community can help you at this time or in the future, please do not hesitate to contact a member of the clergy or the parish office.

  • The Service

    The priest will meet with you and your family to go over the order of the service. The organist will contact you to select music for the service. There is an extra fee if there is to be a soloist, and arrangements have to be made for them to practice. Funeral music should express the Christian’s understanding of life. Appropriate funeral music is directed toward God in acts of prayer and praise. The altar guild prepares the church for the service. The sexton, or caretaker, looks after cleaning up before and after the funeral.

  • Sample Order of Service

    Sample Order of Service From the Anglican Liturgy (Book of Alternative Services) 


    • Welcome & Remembrances 
    • The Grace p. 576 
    • Hymn – Amazing Grace 
    • The Proclamation of the Word Isaiah 25:6-9 Psalm 23 p. 731 1 Peter 1:3-9 John 14:1-6 
    • Homily 
    • Apostles Creed p. 578 
    • Prayers of the People p. 579 
    • The Lord’s Prayer p. 583 
    • Prayer of Remembrance 
    • The Commendation p. 586 
    • The Blessing Hymn: How Great Thou Art 

    *Note: Eucharist is an option

  • Fee & Donation Schedule

    There is not a set fee for the use of the church. Fees for the organist and priest are included in the service package provided from the funeral home if you go through Reynolds. If you are being served by another funeral home, you should check to ensure this is the case. Donations above and beyond these set fees are always appreciated but not required. A funeral service program is negotiable. 


    A Sympathy Tea (Reception) after the service is usually available from the Anglican Church Women (ACW). Their teas are based on a rate of $10.00 per person. This includes trays of sandwiches, vegetables, condiments and desserts, and coffee and tea for beverages. 


    These fees and donations should be placed in separate envelopes and given out on the day after the funeral. 

  • Contacts

    St. Thomas’ Cemetery 705-645-8469 Church Office 705-645-3486 


    Other Contacts: Reynolds Funeral Home 705-645-2257 Tompkins Monuments 705-645-4740 Season’s in the Country 705-645-5035

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