Frequently Asked Questions
What does "Episcopal" mean?
What are the office hours at the Church?
When are worship services?
How do I go about joining the parish?
How do I get my child baptized?
How do I schedule a wedding?
What are the age groups in Christian Education classes and how do I register my children?
What Outreach ministries are available to parishioners and how can I get involved or register my interest?
Is the sanctuary accessible after business hours?
How do you contact a priest if you have a pastoral need?
What do I do if someone dies?
Does the parish have a Memorial Garden?
How do I get an announcement posted in the bulletin or information in the newsletter or on the parish website?
Where can I park when the main Church lot is full?
How can (do) I get involved?
Does Holy Innocents' memorialize floral arrangements at the services?
What does it mean to be Episcopal?
The word “Episcopal” appears in the distinctive title for our church: The Episcopal Church in the United States . We use the term “ Episcopal” to designate that we consider “the Bishop” to be the principal leader in the church and our obedience to the office of Bishop to be the symbol of our union with each other. As a congregation, Holy Innocents joins together with other congregations around the Episcopal office in the person of the Bishop.
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What are the office hours at the church?
The parish offices are open Monday through Friday, 8:30 am – 5:00 pm. The staff is eager to assist you. A complete listing of the clergy, vestry and staff is available on line and links to e-mail addresses are noted. Please click on the About HI button and the Clergy/Vestry Staff link.
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When are worship services?
Sunday
Winter: 8:00 a.m. - Holy Eucharist, Rite II (no choir)
9:00 a.m. - Holy Eucharist, Rite II
(with children's choir, nursery available)
11:15 a.m. - Holy Eucharist, Rite II
(with adult choir, nursery available)
6:00 p.m. - Holy Eucharist, Rite II (Celtic)
Summer: (Memorial Day through Labor Day):
8:30 a.m. - Holy Eucharist, Rite II (no choir)
10:30 a.m. - Holy Eucharist, Rite II, (adult choir, nursery available)
7:00 p.m. - Holy Eucharist, Rite II (Celtic)
Wednesday
10:00 a.m.
12:30 p.m. (during Advent and Lent)
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How do I become a member?
Joining the parish is as easy as picking up the phone, sending an e-mail or letter. If you are already a baptized Episcopalian all you have to do is call the registrar and have her process a membership transfer from your former parish. If you are a baptized Christian, unbaptized or unchurched and interested in exploring the Episcopal Church, you are invited to attend the “Discovery” class and learn more about the Episcopal Church.
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How do I get my child baptized?
Baptisms are celebrated on specified days throughout the year. For dates and details on the Baptism class please call the parish office and ask for the registrar. Click here to request a date for Baptism.
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How do I schedule a wedding?
Please call the parish office to speak to the registrar. The parish registrar and Events Coordinator will process a wedding date request. Once the date is confirmed the registrar will forward your names to one of the parish clergy and to the Wedding Committee to continue the wedding preparation.
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What are the age groups in Christian Education classes and how do I register my children?
Christian Formation classes are held on Sundays throughout the school year for all ages, beginning at age 2 through adults. Complete details of the course offerings are available by visiting the Christian Formation section of the website. Registration can be accomplished by calling the Director at the parish office or by submitting the registration form electronically (on the Christian Formation page).
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What Outreach Ministries are available to parishioners and how can I get involved or register my interest?
Numerous opportunities are available to parishioners and the scope of these ministries is varied. A detailed description of the outreach possibilities is available by clicking on the Outreach page or reviewing the printed Ministries Directory. You are invited to contact any of the leaders listed under the descriptions or contact Leigh Jackson, Outreach Coordinator, at 404-255-4023.
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Is the sanctuary accessible after business hours?
The sanctuary is available for private prayer and meditation from 7 AM through 10:30 PM every day. A complete list of the various times for prayer and Eucharist is accessible by clicking on the Worship link on the Home Page.
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How do I contact a priest if I have a pastoral need?
Priests may be contacted at the parish offices, Monday through Friday 404-255-4023 or in times of need or emergency, at the individual cell phones:
The Rev. Michael Sullivan - 404-255-4023
The Rev. Alison Schultz- 404-357-8202
The Rev. Martha Sterne- 404-805-5547
The Rev. Tryggvi Arnason- 404-805-0865
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What do I do if someone dies?
The parish priests wish to minister to you in this most difficult time. Please call the priests at the office during business hours or after hours on the cell phones noted above. The priests will assist you in the preparation of services and burial rites.
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Does the Parish have a Memorial Garden?
The remains of parish members are buried in this beautiful garden on the Powers Ferry Road -side of the Church. Nestled amidst the trees and shrubs with a beautiful water feature, this place affords families a reflective and dignified place for prayer and meditation. Information concerning burial sites is available by contacting the Parish Administrative Assistant, 404-255-4023, or mmcneil@holyinnocents.org.
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How do I post an announcement in the Sunday bulletin, newsletter or website?
Announcements for the Sunday bulletin should be sent to the Parish Administrative Assistant by fax (404-255-3882), email mmcneil@holyinnocents.org , or dropping a copy off at the parish office. Articles or information for the weekly newsletter, HI Lights, should be sent to Leigh Jackson, the Director of Communications at the church.
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Where can I park if the main church lot is full?
At times and on certain holidays additional parking is necessary. The Fine Arts parking lot entered from Powers Ferry Road is the next closest available lot. If the spaces are available we coordinate with the school and often use parking in the Upper School area.
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How do I get involved?
The easiest way to get involved is to talk with one of the clergy about your interests or talents or consult the Ministries Directory and review the many possibilities that are described. Leaders of the various activities are listed and would welcome hearing from you. You may also contact a member of the staff for additional information.
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How do I memorialize floral arrangements at the services?
The Flower Guild is a group of dedicated parishioners that design and produce beautiful floral arrangements for a variety of events, most significant the various services and celebrations in the Church. Floral arrangements may be memorialized. Please call or stop by the parish office for further information or to make arrangements – 404-255-4023.
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