Serving Salem since 1733

Life Events

And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

Hebrews 10:24-25

Holy baptism, confirmation, reception into the Episcopal Church, holy matrimony and funerals all represent important life events that are truly celebrated here at St Peter’s-San Pedro.

Sacrament of Holy Baptism
Anyone seeking to be initiated into Christ’s body, the Church, is most welcome to receive the Sacrament of Holy Baptism at St Peter’s-San Pedro Episcopal Church. Arrangement for infant, child and adult baptisms are made with the rector, who will work with each person to help prepare for this holy rite individually.  Baptisms are a blessing to our community so they are always incorporated into our Sunday worship and are most appropriate on Epiphany, the Great Vigil of Easter, Pentecost Sunday, and All Saints Day, but other Sundays can be arranged with the rector. 

Sacrament of Confirmation and Reception
Confirmation and reception into the Episcopal Church are sacraments celebrated by a bishop at a regional gathering or during a bishop’s planned visitation to the parish. Our rector can help you coordinate the best timing and location for this rite and properly prepare you.

Sacrament of Holy Matrimony
Holy Matrimony is a sacramental rite of the Episcopal Church reserved for couples that have at least one member who is a baptized Christian of any denomination. The Episcopal Church requires that couples wishing to be married in the Church should first receive the counsel and support of their parish priest. Couples interested in holy matrimony at St Peter's-San Pedro should contact the rector as soon as possible, and at least 6 months before the date of the marriage is to take place, to allow for adequate time for the necessary preparations. Fees associated with marriage at historic St Peter´s-San Pedro Church include a $1,000 facilities fee, a $250 clergy fee and a $250 organist fee.

The death of a loved one
The death of a loved one is a precious moment filled with tremendous grief, loss and hope. Our rector is available for pastoral emergencies in advance of, at the time of, or after the death of a loved one. The rector will meet with each family prior to a funeral to provide pastoral support as necessary, and to ensure that the funeral arrangements are respectful of the decedent’s and family’s wishes. Options for a funeral liturgy with or without Holy Communion, at the church, funeral home or graveside will all be explored and honored as appropriate.

Additional rites
There are a number of additional rites within the church that are available to those who wish to celebrate them. They include: First Communion, the Blessing of a Home, a Quinceañera celebration and the blessing of a marriage already performed. If you are interested in any of these rites for yourself or a family member, please contact our parish office for more details and to arrange a meeting with our rector.  We would be happy to help you. 

Life Events Contact Form