Liturgical Rites of Passage for the Later Years

ABSTRACT

Rites of passage help redefine self-understanding and community behavior as individuals move through transition events into successive life stages. Traditional religious rites, such as baptism, confirmation, matrimony and the funeral, function as rites of passage within faith communities. Congregations need to develop similar rites to mark individuals' passage into newer life stages such as the empty nest, retirement, and final infirmity.