Christian Ritualizing and the Baptismal Process

Most people, even non-Christians, know that Christians gather for worship once a week, and that they are right there to support each other when there is a baptism or a wedding or a funeral. But what about other poignant, vulnerable, or life-changing times? How does the church help people handle changes that in the past, in Christendom, were considered ＂secular＂? Does the church have a role at retirement when one’s ministry changes, or when a family’s children leave home and familiar patterns seem to grind to a halt? Is there any rite possible for someone who is called to Christian ministry but not to ordination? Or to someone whose vows are broken in divorce? Christian Ritualizing and the Baptismal Process asserts that baptism marks the beginning of a process of participation in Christ’s ministry, so that no part of life can finally be considered secular. Susan Marie Smith shows how every passage, healing, and ministry vocation is ＂holy,＂ and she lays the groundwork needed for every church to create the rituals necessary to lament and celebrate the endings and beginnings that happen in every Christian life.

Susan Marie Smith is an Episcopal priest and teacher of liturgy, ritual, and preaching. She offers worship consulting, teaches classes, leads retreats, and facilitates the creating of Christian ritualization.