PARTICIPATION & MEMBERSHIP

Let’s be real clear about one thing right off the bat. You don’t need to be a member of St. Hilary’s or the Episcopal Church to actively participate in the functions, worship or ministry of this congregation. You are welcome regardless of formal religious affiliation or experience.

It is nice, sometimes, to officially belong somewhere, and we would hope that you would choose St. Hilary’s. And, being a part of a larger Church, it is necessary for us to keep some semblance of records. This becomes especially confusing in a congregation with so many people having two regular Church homes, here and "back home".

The following discussion will define some terms used in the Church concerning members and will explain the responsibilities and rights of those who attend here.

Member

Anyone who has received the Sacrament of Baptism with water in the Name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, whether in this Church or in another Christian Church and who has had their name recorded in the records of St. Hilary’s is a member.

Baptized Member

A Member who has not been confirmed or received.

Communicant

A Member who has received Holy Communion at St. Hilary’s at least three times in the past year.

Communicant in Good Standing

A Communicant who for the past year has been faithful in corporate worship, working, praying and giving for the spread of the Kingdom of God.

Confirmation

The Sacramental act of making an adult profession of faith and being accepted into the Anglican Communion by a Bishop of the Church.

Reception

The act of being accepted into the Anglican Communion by a Bishop of the Church for those that have either been confirmed in another Church, or have made an adult profession of faith in another Church. Members who have been received are considered Confirmed.

Who can take communion at St. Hilary's?

Any one who has been Baptized with water in the name of the Trinity may take Communion. Baptized children may receive Communion at their parent’s discretion. We recommend that until a child has received instruction, the parent assist them in taking the host and abstain from the cup.

How do I become a member?

If you have not been Baptized with water in the Name of the Trinity, you can become a Member by receiving the Sacrament of Baptism at St. Hilary’s. Your name will be immediately registered as a Member here. If you have been Baptized, and you are listed as a Member or Communicant of another Anglican Church, we can have your membership transferred here. Simply call the Church office with the name of the Church at which you are currently a member, and we will process the transfer.

If you have been Baptized and are not a Member or Communicant of an Anglican Church, we are unable to transfer membership. To become listed as a member here, contact the Church Office and request that you be added to our rolls.

Please note that you can be a Member or Communicant at only one Church. If you add your membership here, you should contact the last Church that had your membership and have it deleted.

How do I become a Communicant?

A Communicant is simply a Member that receives Holy Communion at least three times a year. We certainly hope that any member would participate more frequently.

How do I become a Communicant in Good Standing?

Membership in any organization is only as meaningful as the effort put into it. To be a Communicant in Good Standing means to actively participate in the life of this congregation. This means regular attendance (as you are able), a record of contributions to the Church, and participation in those activities to which you feel called.

What are the requirements for participating in the life of the church?

Participation in activities at St. Hilary’s is open to all, and is not restricted to Members, Communicants or those in Good Standing. Confirmation is required for only a few ministries.

Who may be Baptised?

The Sacrament of Baptism is available to anyone requesting it. For adults and older children, there may be a period of instruction. For infants and young children, the instruction will be for the parents and sponsors. It is expected that a relationship with St. Hilary’s will continue following the Baptism.

Who may be married at Saint Hilary's?

The Sacrament of Holy Matrimony is celebrated for those who have a significant pastoral relationship with the Church. Being a Member would entitle one to seek marriage at St. Hilary’s.

Who may vote at Saint Hilary's?

The Parishes of the Episcopal Church are governed by a Vestry which is elected by "qualified electors" of the parish. According to the By-laws of St. Hilary’s this is anyone over the age of 16 who is a Communicant in Good Standing and who has made a financial pledge for the current year.

May I be a member of the Vestry?

Any qualified elector 18 years of age or older may run for Vestry.

May I participate in the liturgical ministries?

The liturgical lay ministers, chalice bearers, Eucharistic visitors, and lay readers are by Canon to be confirmed Communicants in Good Standing. If you are interested in a liturgical ministry, please contact the Church Office.

What about part-year residents?

One of the many strengths of St. Hilary’s is our contingent of "snow-angels". We would not be nearly as vibrant and Spirit-filled without their participation. As long as someone comes and participates in the life of this congregation, we will consider them a part of this Parish family.

For statistical and legal issues, however, some distinctions must be made. If you have transferred your membership here from another Anglican Church, or requested that you be added to our list of Members, then this is your Church of record and, assuming the other elements are met, you are a Communicant in Good Standing and qualified elector of St. Hilary’s.

If however, your Church of record is "back home", we cannot list you in both places. And, although you may participate in every other function of the church, you cannot be a "qualified elector" of two congregations. If you are in Ft. Myers during the winter, when parishes typically hold their annual meetings and elections, you may want to consider transferring here so that you can fully participate.

As a matter of policy, the lay liturgical ministries are open to all of our part year residents if they are Confirmed Communicants of their home parish.