Baptisms, Funerals, Wedding Vows, etc.
These services are available in person for members and non-members. Honorariums are always appreciated. Facility use fees may apply for non-members. To arrange for one of these services, Contact us or stop by the office at 121 Mescalero Trail in Ruidoso, NM, Monday through Friday 10am – 2pm.
Baptism
Baptism is a Christian ritual symbolizing new life and cleansing from sin through immersion or sprinkling with water, representing a believer’s union with Christ’s death and resurrection, a public commitment to faith, and entry into the Christian community. The act signifies a burial of the old self and a rebirth as a new creation in Christ, accompanied by the the Holy Spirit.
Renewal of Marriage Vows
An Episcopal renewal of marriage vows is a church ceremony for married couples to reaffirm their commitment to one another in a service of worship and thanksgiving. The ceremony, typically held in an Episcopal church, includes a liturgy that echoes the original wedding vows, often incorporating Bible readings, a blessing, and the exchange of rings to symbolize their continuing covenant with God and each other.
Blessing of a Civil Marriage
An episcopal blessing for a civil marriage involves an ordained priest from the Episcopal Church offering a solemn prayer for God’s blessing on the union after it has already been legally performed. This is not a second wedding, but a way for couples to affirm the spiritual nature of their marriage and to have their commitment recognized and supported by the Church in a worship service, typically including readings, the exchange of vows or declarations of consent, and prayers for God’s grace and wisdom on their shared life.
Wedding Receptions and Meetings
The facilities of the Church of the Holy Mount are available for events with prior approval include wedding receptions, meetings, and special events. Commercial kitchen, tables, chairs, internet connection and large screen TV are among the amenities available.
Funerals and Memorial Services
The full facilities are available for funerals and memorial services. A funeral refers to a service which includes a body in a casket. Memorial service refers to a service which includes ashes of the deceased. These services vary only slightly. The organist and choir master are available. Services can be broadcast on Facebook.
Membership: In The Episcopal Church, a member is baptized person whose baptism is recorded in a particular parish or congregation. This membership signifies belonging to both the universal Church (the body of Christ) and a specific local church community. The path to becoming a member can be through infant baptism, adult baptism, (for baptized persons), or (for those confirmed in other Catholic traditions). Members are also generally “known to the treasurer.” Members and non-members are all welcome.