Trinity Episcopal Church Oshkosh
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Wondering how to join?

Perhaps you're looking for a new church home.

Perhaps you're hurting and lost, and looking for somewhere safe to get back on your feet.

Jesus calls us to him, to follow him as disciples on the pilgrim path towards God the Father. Part of being a Christian is being an active part of the Body of Christ, which is the church. This page is about becoming a Christian, becoming an Episcopalian Christian, and becoming a member of our Parish.

Becoming a Christian

We become Christians through the sacrament of Baptism. You only get baptized once, so if you were baptized as a child, you're a Christian. If you were baptized years ago in another tradition, you're a Christian. If you were baptized years ago and haven't been active in church for a while, you're still a Christian. 

Baptism is the ritual that makes somebody a Christian. At Trinity, we baptize infants, children, and adults alike. The process is slightly different. If you'd like to learn more about baptism, we have a page about it. If you'd like to be baptized, come to church some Sunday and talk to Father Chris, or get in contact with us. 

Becoming a member of the Episcopal Church

This section is for the Lutherans, Catholics, Methodists, Baptists, etc. This section is for you if:
  • have been baptized, and
  • are not a member of the Episcopal Church already
The Episcopal Church stretches across the United States and other countries. Trinity is a parish of the Episcopal Church. By becoming a member of Trinity, you'll become a member of the Episcopal Church. When you become an Episocpalian, we mark it with one of two rites, either Confirmation or Reception. Which one you'll go through depends on your background.

If you have received confirmation already from a bishop, you will be received. This is usually what happens if you are coming from Lutheran, Orthodox, or Roman Catholic churches. Reception is a brief rite formally introducing you to the bishop when he visits our parish, and his welcoming you to the church.

If you have not been confirmed, already, you become an Episcopal through the rite of Confirmation. This is an adult commitment to the Christian faith made in the presence of the bishop, and you will receive his blessing.

Becoming a member of Trinity Parish

Baptism and Confirmation make you a Christian in the Episcopal tradition, but joining our parish community is pretty much like joining any organization or club: you show up and get involved. To be considered a full member, what our church laws call "communicants in good standing", you'll be doing these things:
  • "faithful in corporate worship, unless for good cause prevented" which means come to worship regularly. That doesn't mean every Sunday, but regularly and faithfully. And also
  • "have been faithful in working, praying, and giving for the spread of the Kingdom of God" which means that you are involved in some sort of ministry, that you are working on your own prayer life and spiritual practices, and that you are financially supporting the work of the parish. ​

Fill out this form if you'd like to become a member of the parish

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Trinity Episcopal Church
311 Division Street
Oshkosh, WI 54901
(920) 231-2420
Copyright © 2021
  • Home
  • First Time Visitor
    • What We Believe
    • What to expect
    • FAQs
    • Joining our parish
  • Worship
    • For Liturgical Ministers
  • Connect
    • Contact Us
    • Calendar
    • Our Vestry
    • Our Clergy
    • Our Staff
    • Annual Parish Meeting
  • Serve
    • Episcopal Church Women
    • Loaves & Fishes