The Rev. Dr. Tony Rivera has a pastoral counseling Master of Divinity degree, a Master of Theology degree, and a PhD in Political Science and International Relations. He is an ordained Baptist Minister and an ordained Deacon in the Reformed Catholic Church, an Independent Catholic Church. Dr. Rivera is certified in SYMBIS (Save Your Marriage Before It Starts) pre-marital counseling and Prepare/Enrich marital counseling.
As such he can offer the following services:
Baptist Services:
· Baptism—we support baptism by immersion or by pouring or sprinkling water. What is essential is to baptize in the name of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
· Marriage—we strongly encourage couples considering marriage to reach out and set up an appointment to discuss the premarital counseling services of Kindling Resilience, our pastoral counseling service. But whether you get counseling from us or some other organization, counseling is critically important. We are open to various types of services and locations. Reach out and let’s discuss.
· Funerals—The passing of a loved one requires sensitivity and care. We offer family counseling to help deal with the loss and, of course, will perform all ministerial functions, including preaching, at the funeral.
Catholic Sacraments:
· Baptism—Catholic baptism is typically done by pouring water, can be done with infants or adults, but follows the same formula of baptizing in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
· Deacon’s Mass—as I am not an ordained priest and will not be one anytime soon, the best I can offer is a eucharistic service that does not involve the consecration of the eucharist. The eucharist will be consecrated by a priest and I will officiate at the service of the word and the distribution of the Body and Blood of our Lord and Savior.
· Marriage—we strongly encourage couples considering marriage to reach out and set up an appointment to discuss the premarital counseling services of Kindling Resilience, our pastoral counseling service. But whether you get counseling from us or some other organization, counseling is critically important. We are open to various types of services and locations. Reach out and let’s discuss.
· Anointing of the Sick—is a Catholic sacrament that provides spiritual and physical strength, peace, and courage to those who are seriously ill, elderly, or near death. During the ritual, a priest anoints the person’s forehead and hands with blessed oil, and through the prayer of faith, it is believed to grant forgiveness of sins and, if it is God’s will, physical healing. The sacrament is not a substitute for medicine but a spiritual support for dealing with suffering and a way to unite the individual’s pain with Christ’s Passion.
· Funerals—The passing of a loved one requires sensitivity and care. We offer family counseling to help deal with the loss and, of course, will perform all ministerial functions, including preaching, at the funeral.
Ecumenical Services:
· Faith Traditions—By being ordained in both the Baptist and Catholic traditions, Dr. Rivera demonstrates his commitment to being truly ecumenical. Faith traditions of many kinds are welcomed and supported. And, just as welcomed and supported, are those who do not adhere to any faith tradition, but seek spiritual wisdom and growth.
· Marriage—we still strongly recommend SYMBIS and/or Prepare-Enrich by way of giving your union the best chance of success. But if you believe that marriage is more than just a civil contract and want some sort of spiritual dimension to your celebration, we can find the right path for you.· Other Services—from blessing of unions, blessing of homes, and pets, our ministry is about being there for you and serving you in your time of pain and joy. We have designed coming out services, which can include re-baptism for those transitioning, even though we recognize only one baptism, we also understand that transitioning is a new birth that deserves spiritual recognition. We are flexible, recognizing that serving your spiritual needs has to come with a spirit of welcome, an attitude of love, and a recognition of your being made in the image and likeness of God.