Becoming a Member

Official membership in the Episcopal Church comes through Baptism, Confirmation, and Reception.  Once this occurs, you will receive a certificate and your name is entered into our Parish Register. Baptism is offered five times per year. Confirmation and Reception coincides with a visitation from one of our Bishops, which usually occurs once per year. An Inquirer's Class for those who wish to learn more about the church and membership is offered each year. Persons interested in membership are encouraged to attend this class and may also contact the Rector to discuss membership and other questions on a more personal basis.

How do I become a member of Christ Church Riverdale?

Becoming a member of Christ Church can happen in several ways, depending on your experience with either other Episcopal congregations or other denominations.  However, you need not have  ever been a church-goer before to become a member of our church.   Here are the categories of membership we recognize:

• Confirmed Communicants:  These are adults (persons over 16 years of age) who have been  baptized and confirmed in, or received into, the Episcopal Church either by confirmation, reception, or letter of transfer from another Episcopal Church.   If you are coming from another Episcopal Church, simply contact your last parish and request a letter be sent to us. 

• Baptized Members:  These include baptized persons, of any age (including children), whose names are enrolled either by baptism, letter of transfer, or personal request. Adults can have their names enrolled as Baptized Members, but still not be Confirmed Communicants. If you are an adult and have been baptized in and Episcopal or other Christian denomination, again, simply request a letter of transfer from your last parish and you can be enrolled as a member.

• Prospective members:  These are persons who are visiting our church and are deciding whether to become a Confirmed or Baptized member.

FAQ’s about membership:

Why become a member?

While everyone is welcome at Christ Church and invited to participate in the life of our community, becoming a member is an outward sign of commitment that formally joins you and your family with us in this congregation.  Membership does bring some additional benefits, but more importantly is a statement that you intend to become part of the congregation in a deeper and more meaningful way.   Only active members in good standing can vote in the annual meeting, or be elected to the Vestry. 

What if I have never been baptized? Adults and their children may join Christ Church by being baptized on one of the five special days set aside for baptisms each year.  These are advertised in the bulletin on a regular basis. You can find out more about baptism by talking with our Rector.  

Do I need to be confirmed to be a member?  No. To be a member in good standing in an Episcopal Church, you must be confirmed, attend and give regularly, and actively join in the life of the church.  But anyone can attend services, receive communion and participate in programs and classes without being confirmed. 

What is Confirmation? Confirmation is a sacramental rite that enables adults, and youth in 8th grade and older, to make their own profession of faith and be formally received into the Episcopal Church.   The Inquirer’s Class is essential as preparation for this step.  Confirmation is held when a Bishop visits our parish, usually once a year.

What if I have been confirmed in another denomination?  If you have made an adult profession of faith in another Christian denomination, you may be received into the Episcopal Church.  This is also done when the Bishop visits each year. 

Joining Christ Church Riverdale

If you are interested in becoming a member of our parish, contact the parish office to receive a membership form.  After we receive your completed form, we will contact you to discuss your options for membership and make a plan together that meets your interests and needs.