At the Unitarian Church of Montpelier, we celebrate rites of passage across the lifespan. These ceremonies mark significant milestones in an individual’s life, a family’s life, and our spiritual community, and are not based on one particular set of beliefs. Below are brief descriptions of rites of passage that are commonly celebrated at UCM. If you are interested in learning more about our Unitarian Universalist faith and congregation, please contact our Minister, Rev. Joan Javier-Duval.

Child Blessing and Dedication

We come into the world whole and sacred just as we are. As a community, we celebrate the gift of life through our children. In our child blessing and dedication ceremony, we use natural elements to honor the blessing of each unique, individual child (no matter the age) and make commitments as parents, caregivers, and a spiritual community to nurturing and caring for our children. Families who are members of the congregation are welcome to participate in this ceremony. Reach out to our Director of Spiritual Exploration, Caitlin Frauton, to learn more about the Child Blessing and Dedication ceremony.

Coming of Age

Unitarian Universalist teenagers often join their congregations with a special “Coming of Age” ceremony. This ceremony is typically preceded by a year-long curriculum that helps them learn more about Unitarian Universalism and articulate their own beliefs. The Coming of Age ceremony usually features the youth reading their statements of personal belief (credo statements) to the congregation. Coming of Age was a regular offering for many years but is not currently offered. We hope to bring it back into our Spiritual Exploration offerings and rites of passage in the near future. Reach out to our Director of Spiritual Exploration, Caitlin Frauton, to learn more about Coming of Age.

Bridging

We mark the transition from childhood into young adulthood with our Bridging ceremony. Teens transitioning out of the high school years or preparing for the next chapter of their young adult lives meet with adult mentors for reflection, then are recognized in a ritual of transition and blessing during a worship service. Reach out to our Director of Spiritual Exploration, Caitlin Frauton, to learn more about the Bridging ceremony.

Weddings and Commitment Ceremonies

The decision to make a lifelong, covenantal commitment to another person is sacred. People mark this occasion in many ways, including with wedding or commitment ceremonies. In the Unitarian Universalist tradition, these ceremonies honor the particular experiences and backgrounds of those making this commitment and lift up the beauty of being promise-making people. Reach out to our Minister, Rev. Joan Javier-Duval, to learn more about holding a Wedding or Commitment Ceremony at UCM.

Memorial Services and Celebrations of Life

We acknowledge the cycle of life and death and also bask in its mystery. Memorial services and celebrations of life are rites of passage that offer a chance to both mourn and remember a member of our community who has passed. Many people choose to share their wishes with their loved ones and the Minister before they die. These ceremonies honor each person’s unique life and beliefs while drawing people together in grief and gratitude. Reach out to our Minister, Rev. Joan Javier-Duval, to learn more about planning and holding a Memorial Service or Celebration of Life at UCM.

Other Rituals

Our Minister is available to help you plan other rites of passage and rituals that would be meaningful to you, such as house blessings, naming ceremonies, divorce rituals, and more. Please contact our Minister, Rev. Joan Javier-Duval to discuss further.