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Open Baptism at St Mary's
The Episcopal Church of Saint Mary-in-the-Highlands, Cold Spring, once again offers "Open Baptism" at their 7pm Easter Vigil on the 22nd of March.
"We are trying to find those who have 'fallen between the cracks' and help them out - that's what the Church is supposed to do" the Rector of St Mary's, Father Shane Scott- Hamblen, explained. St Mary's hopes to show that the Church exists to include people - not to exclude them.
On Holy Saturday night, the church will continue to welcome - with "no questions asked" - any un-baptized person who wants to be baptized.
Those interested are requested to either telephone the Father Shane (265-2539) or arrive at the church around 6:45pm.
St Mary's is reaching out to all those who have been denied baptism in the past for whatever 'reason'. They hope that parents or adults who forgot or "never quite got around to it", as well as those who were formerly turned away, will take full advantage of this invitation - as many other families have in the last several years.
For Christians around the world, Holy Week is the most solemn time of the year enacting Christ's last days before his Crucifixion and Resurrection. "I know this 'invitation' seems to be controversial for a few who believe we are offering "cheap grace", admitted Fr Shane, "but our understanding is that grace is never cheap - it is free".
The Maundy Thursday Mass will be on March 20 at 7pm, the Ecumenical Good Friday Service will be on the 21st at 12, and the Great Easter Vigil will be on the 22nd at 7pm (those wanting to be baptized are asked to arrive around 6:45pm).
Saint Mary-in-the-Highlands is located at the corner of Routes 9D and 301, Cold Spring. The telephone number is 265-2539.
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