Numerous opportunities are available for Trinity’s members to give expression to their Christian duty to be of help to those in need. At Trinity, pastoral care is shared between the clergy and trained laity.
There are scheduled visits to parishioners who are temporarily or permanently confined to their homes. Members also reach out via phone calls and cards to those experiencing a trying time. The flower ministry delivers the altar flowers weekly to our members who have been ill, who have lost a loved one, or who are celebrating a special occasion. Birthdays, graduations, baptisms, or anniversaries are just some of the events that the ministry acknowledges.
We also facilitate a weekly communion service at a local nursing home. We have a very dedicated team of volunteers for this ministry, and this team is growing due to the willingness of so many parishioners to give generously of their time.
The Trinity Action Brigade (TAB) provides meals, transportation to doctor’s appointments and lends a helping hand to those who need it.
The Prayer Shawl Ministry was started several years ago. Although it is a small group, they have created over 300 shawls, lap blankets, scarves, and hats. Prayer Shawls are given for a variety of reasons. An illness, the birth of a new baby, or just a happy occasion provide motivation for the group to knit. The Peoples Resource Center and Hospice have also benefitted from their busy fingers.
Baptism
Since the time of Christ, Holy Baptism has been one of the central sacraments in the Episcopalian Christian tradition. It is a special time when adults and children are invited into the family of Christ. Baptism is a sacrament of initiation by which we are cleansed from our sin and brought into new life in Christ. Holy Baptism is especially appropriate at the following times: The Easter Vigil, Day of Pentecost, All Saints Day or the Sunday after All Saints day, Feast of the Baptism of our Lord (the 1st Sunday of Epiphany). It is recommended that Baptisms be reserved for these occasions or when a bishop is present.
To Arrange for a Hospital Visit or Have the Church Brought to You
If you or a member of your household are (or will) be hospitalized for any reason, please do not hesitate to contact us. The parish clergy and pastoral members are pleased to provide comfort, offer prayers for the sick and to bring the sacrament of Holy Eucharist to any baptized Christian who desires it.
To receive a hospital or other medical care oriented facility visit contact the church office. Please do not assume that others will notify the clergy.
To Arrange for a Funeral
Notify one of the clergy or contact the parish office to inform of a death in your family. Our parish clergy can meet with the family of the deceased for reflection, prayer, and the planning of the funeral service.
The Funeral Service
When you are making arrangements for the funeral, remember that the Prayer Book assumes that the normal service is the Celebration of the Holy Eucharist. This is rooted in the resurrection of Jesus Christ, the basis of Christian hope in eternal life.
Since the Episcopal funeral service is a service of worship, it is properly held in the church or the chapel, unless space is limited. It does not matter whether the deceased was a member of the Church or not, or whether the survivors are members. The Church and its services are available to all.
The Book of Common Prayer directs that "The coffin is to be closed before the service, and it remains closed thereafter. The coffin will be covered with a white pall. No other decoration will be used on or around the coffin."
The Episcopal Church has no objection to cremation. The cremation may take place after the service in Church, or beforehand, in which case the ashes may be present at the service and blessed during the Commendation, just as the uncremated remains are.
Popular music is generally inappropriate for the occasion or in accordance with the teachings of the Episcopal Church but may be used during the gathering time after the service.
Hymns are to be chosen from the Episcopal Hymnal, and Easter music is especially appropriate. In the Episcopal Church, hymns are considered to be a fundamental part of the worship, and therefore it is the priest and music director who specify the music. Any arrangements or special requests with regard to the service are made with them, and not with the funeral director.
The scheduling of funeral services should be done in close consultation with the clergy of Trinity - Wheaton.
Weddings
Who can get married at Trinity Wheaton?
Episcopalians
Trinity is a member of the Chicago Diocese for the Episcopal Church. The Episcopal Church requires that all Episcopalians use the Episcopal order of service for weddings, participate in pre-marital counseling and that at least one of the parties be a baptized Christian.
Sometimes, couples that are members of Episcopal churches in other parts of the country want to be married at Trinity. In such cases, the clergy of Trinity will happily cooperate with priests from other parishes to arrange for counseling and other logistical matters.
Please contact the parish office to discuss dates, times and parish guidelines.
Non-Episcopalians
If you are not a member of Trinity, or a member of another Episcopal Church, it is possible to rent Trinity Chapel for your wedding. Trinity allows you the flexibility to choose your own minister, priest or a judge to perform your ceremony. Visit our Rent Trinity Chapel site for more information.
Counseling
If you are having a problem or if an event has impacted you and you need somebody to talk to, contact any of our parish clergy through the parish office. The clergy do not engage in long-term pastoral counseling. They are, however, knowledgeable about the various agencies and professional counseling resources in the area.
