Worship Life / FAQs
Baptism
Holy Baptism is the sacrament by which God adopts us as God’s children and makes us members of Christ’s Body, the Church, and inheritors of the kingdom of God.
The Book of Common Prayer, p. 858
Baptism is full initiation, by water and the Holy Spirit, into the Body of Christ. We baptize people of any age— adults, youth, children, and infants—and the bond which God establishes in baptism is indissoluble. We regard the sacrament of baptism as a Holy Mystery, which means we can understand the meaning of the act without ever fully fathoming the depths of its significance.
The parish of Holy Wisdom joyfully welcomes new members into the Body of our Lord Jesus Christ through the sacrament of Holy Baptism.
At Holy Wisdom, baptism is incorporated into regular worship services on specified Sundays during the year. Because baptism is the visible action that connects a person to God in a covenant relationship, it belongs in public worship, rather than private ceremony.
Preparation is required. Catechumenates (those preparing for baptism) will meet with a priest twice, for one hour each meeting, and will attend a rehearsal a Saturday before baptism. As part of the preparation, a priest will help you find a way to share your experience of this sacrament with the congregation. Godparents and sponsors are strongly encouraged to attend.
If you desire baptism for yourself or your child, please contact The Rev. Gerlyn Henry.
Weddings
Christian marriage is a solemn and public covenant between two people in the presence of God. In the Anglican Church it is required that one or both of the persons be a baptized Christian, that the ceremony be attested by at least two witnesses, and that the marriage conform to the laws of the Province of Ontario and the canons of the Anglican Church.
At Holy Wisdom Parish we affirm and celebrate marriage between two people of all genders as a sacrament of the Church and as a sign of the mystery of the union between Christ and his Church. Typically we do not rent out our sacred space for weddings to couples who have no relationship with the parish community but we also try to hold that principle lightly and we welcome conversations about whether you would like to develop a relationship with our parish. All weddings at Holy Wisdom Parish closely follow the liturgy of the Anglican Church (which is beautiful and delightful!) and pre-marital counseling is required by the canons of the Church.
For more information please contact our Parish Administrator or The Rev. Gerlyn Henry. And congratulations!
Funerals
I am the Resurrection and the Life, saith the Lord;
he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live;
and whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die.
Christian burial is one of the most sacred duties of the Church and the community of Holy Wisdom takes that duty very seriously. The death of a member of the Church should be reported as soon as possible to the clergy of the parish and members of the community not connected to the parish may also speak to the clergy about a funeral for their beloved. Our preference is for funerals to be held at the Church though circumstances sometimes require other locations. There are some fees usually associated with funerals but in situations of financial hardship they are adjusted.
For more information please contact our Parish Administrator or The Rev. Gerlyn Henry. May the Holy Spirit be with you in this time of loss.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are you located?
The address is 776 Brimley Road, Scarborough M1J 1C6. You can find us online on Sundays at 10:30 through this link: https://zoom.us/j/91019777282
What should I wear?
Wear whatever you feel comfortable in. You’ll find people dressed in many different styles from jeans and t-shirts to shirts, ties and jackets.
what about my Children?
You’re very welcome to keep your children with you for the whole service. At the 10:30 a.m. Sunday service, children can join our Church School. Classes are provided for children ages 2 – 13 from September to June each year. In the summer months a craft pages are available in the back for children to work on projects related to the theme of the worship.
are you inclusive and affirming?
Holy Wisdom welcomes and celebrates all people regardless of gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, or marital status. We believe and preach that all people are made in the image of God and are worthy of love, belonging and safety.
Is your building accessible?
Holy Wisdom is wheelchair accessible for worship. There is an entrance ramp on entrances of the building leading directly to the sanctuary. Unfortunately, there is no wheelchair accessible bathroom. We will soon begin renovating the building and accessibility is a priority!
Can I receive Holy Communion? What do I do?
Everyone is welcome to receive Communion or a blessing at our services. You may choose to receive both the bread and the wine or just the bread. However, during Covid we are only receiving bread.
If you wish to come forward but do not wish to receive simply place your arms over your chest and we will say a short prayer of blessing with you. When it’s time for communion, the sidespeople will stand in the centre aisle and direct people to go forward to the main altar at the front of the church, row by row. The priest will speak a short prayer and place the bread in your palm for you to eat. We drink real wine from a common cup, which will be offered to you after you’ve received the bread. It’s okay to touch or steady the cup as you take a sip. You can also choose to receive only the bread. Cross your arms over your chest when the cup approaches you, or just return to your seat once you’ve received the bread.
If you need a gluten-free wafer, have any mobility concerns or would like communion brought to your pew, please speak to one of our greeters.
Do I have to put money in the collection plate?
No. While we take a collection during the service to support our ongoing mission and ministry, making a financial contribution is completely voluntary. If you would like to contribute, you can use one of the envelopes for visitors you’ll find in the back, you can put your contribution straight into the plate or donate online.
I want to come back. What do I need to do?
Please do! We could add you to the mailing list, and can help you connect in various ministries of the church to deepen your involvement, sense of belonging and spirituality.