Question 1

How do I become a member of St. Mary’s Episcopal Church?

Accepted Answer

We strive to make everyone feel like they belong at St. Mary’s. While some members of our church are comfortable with an informal affiliation, others may want to take the next step in becoming official members of the parish community.
 
If you’re feeling called to be involved more deeply in the life of St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, please contact the church office, 703-527-6800, to make an appointment with our Rector. 
 
You may wish to look at our Adult Formation web page to see when the next Inquirers' Class will be offered.

Question 2

What if I was baptized in a different denomination?

Accepted Answer

You would enter the Episcopal Church through confirmation. Your baptism is recognized in the Episcopal Church as long as the baptism was recorded in the rolls of any Christian denomination (Baptist, Methodist, Roman Catholic, etc.).

Question 3

What if I was baptized and confirmed in another denomination?

Accepted Answer

You would enter the Episcopal Church through Reception. If you’ve already been baptized and confirmed in another denomination such as the Roman Catholic Church, the Lutheran Church, or the Methodist Church, you can become a member of the Episcopal Church by being received.

Question 4

What if I was baptized in the Episcopal Church, but not at St. Mary’s?

Accepted Answer

You would enter the Episcopal Church through a formal Letter of Transfer. A Letter of Transfer is a way to transfer your membership from one Episcopal Church to another Episcopal Church. You are a member of the Episcopal Church in which you were baptized unless you’ve requested your membership be transferred. Please contact our parish administrator if you wish to transfer your membership to St. Mary's.

Question 5

Reaffirmation

Accepted Answer

Once you’ve been baptized and confirmed, you may choose to publicly reaffirm your commitment to God. Reaffirmation may take place at any point in your journey. Reaffirmation happens in the presence of a bishop and affirms your commitment to live according to your baptismal promises.

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT MEMBERSHIP