Holy Baptism is how we join the Christian faith.  Baptism is always done with water (either over the head or full body immersion) and in the name of the Trinity (Father, Son and Holy Spirit).  Baptism never needs to be repeated - once you are baptized, you are baptized for life.   In order to be baptized, you need at least one baptized person to sponsor you.  The clergy will go through the service and the promises you will make before you are baptized.  If an infant or young child is to be baptized, the parents and godparents will make the promises on his/her behalf.

Baptism can be done at any time, but must be done during a public service with communion.  Typically that is during a Sunday morning service.  Baptism is especially appropriate on the following festivals: the Feast of the Baptism of our Lord (the First Sunday after the Epiphany - early January), Easter eve or day (March or April), Day of Pentecost (May or June), or All Saints’ Day (or the Sunday following - early November).

To arrange for a baptism at Ascension contact the parish office and to speak to one of the clergy.

‍

Because our church baptizes young children and infants (as we believe people of all ages are welcome to be part of the Christian faith), a service where young people can declare or profess their faith publicly is offered. This is called Confirmation (confirming the faith given at baptism). This is the official way we join the Episcopal Church and become an Episcopalian. A Bishop lays his/her hands on the head of each of the confirmations (people seeking confirmation) and recognizes each as a member of the church. Confirmation is an important service and sacrament and should not be done without really being ready. The Bishop requires each person to be at least 16 years old in order to participate in classes that talk about the Christian faith and Episcopal church and traditions before being confirmed. Confirmations are done on a regional basis in the Diocese of Colorado and usually occur annually during the Easter season. Those who are interested in Confirmation or Reception into the Episcopal Church are encouraged to contact the Parish Office.

Christian marriage is a solemn and public covenant between two people in the presence of God. In the Episcopal Church, it is required that at least one of the parties is a baptized Christian, that the ceremony be attested by at least two witnesses, and that the marriage conform to the laws of Colorado and the Canons of the Church (PDF). Ascension is blessed with a beautiful, historic church which makes it a wonderful setting for a wedding. We welcome those who wish to be married in a setting like ours. You can be married by our clergy, and Episcopal priest or and ELCA minister in an Episcopal Celebration of Christian Marriage. Services require fees for use of the Church and Parish Hall, use of clergy and use of the musician. Weddings are not normally celebrated in the church during the season of Lent (from Ash Wednesday through Easter Day). If our clergy are to perform the marriage, the bride and Groom must also meet with the clergy over several sessions before a marriage is performed. Those who have been previously married twice or more before this marriage must also get permission by the bishop to be married by our clergy.
‍

Please request more information from our church office. office@ascensionpueblo.org

In most cases, a member of the clergy will be called when a person is near death or has died.  Those who request a visitation, support at the time of death, or Holy Unction (commonly known in the Roman Catholic Church as “Last Rites”) should contact the clergy directly or the parish office.  The Pastoral Care Commission is also available for non-emergency needs.

Arrangements for funerals usually involve a variety of people including family, clergy, funeral home personnel, altar guild, parishioners who arrange receptions and others – all of the scheduling is initially coordinated by the Parish Administrator.  

Columbarium:

Ascension Church offers a holy, peaceful and final resting place in the columbarium located on the church grounds adjacent to the parish hall (information here). Inquiries about the columbarium should be directed to the Parish Administrator.  

‍