The Sacraments
Baptism, Holy Communion...
May the Lord be with you.
In the Episcopal Church we take part in certain regular acts
of worship. These are called sacraments or reenactments of
Christ's ministries on earth. The two primary sacraments are
baptism and holy communion. We believe that God is actively
present in the world and in us. In the sacraments we realize
his presence and his favor towards us. Through the
sacraments, which are freely given to us by God, our sins
are forgiven, our minds are enlightened, our hearts stirred
and our wills strengthened. These sacraments are contained
in the worship services found in the Book of Common Prayer,
a book used for worship services and as a guide for
Christian life. A complete outline of the Episcopal faith
can be found on pages 845-862 of the Book of Common Prayer.
Your questions are encouraged and always welcome. Please
feel free to contact the church office for more information.
What is Holy Baptism?
Baptism is the means by
which we become members of the community of believers,
defined in the New Testament as the Body of Christ. Just as
Jesus was baptized with water by John the Baptist, we
include people in the community of faith by baptizing them
with water. Following a series of questions, responses and
prayers, the priest pours water on the candidate. The sign
of the cross may be made on their forehead with blessed oil.
In the Episcopal Church, a person is baptized only once.
What is Holy Communion?
It is a reenactment of the
Last Supper Jesus shared with his disciples before his death
on the cross. Any baptized person is welcome to share in
this meal of bread and wine.
What are the other sacraments?
Confirmation, ordination, holy matrimony, reconciliation of
a penitent and unction.
What is Confirmation?
Confirmation is when a
baptized person, who has been instructed in the Christian
faith, makes a mature commitment to God within a worship
setting and receives a special blessing and prayer from a
bishop.
What is Holy Matrimony?
Holy Matrimony is Christian
marriage, in which a woman and a man enter into a life-long
union and make their promises before God in a worship
service.
What is Reconciliation of a
Penitent?
While private confession of
sins is not a requirement, anyone may request the
reconciliation of a penitent from a priest and receive
assurance of God's forgiveness. The confession is always
made in private and kept in strict confidence.
What is Unction?
Unction is a special
blessing for those who are sick or desire special prayers. A
sign of the cross is made on their forehead with blessed
oil.
What is Ordination?
Ordination is the sacrament
where God empowers trained persons for special ministry as
deacons, priests or bishops. The service always includes the
laying on of hands by bishops.
* * *
Dear Lord, you promise to give rest to all who are weary,
you promise to feed all who are hungry, you promise to
welcome all who seek you: be present, O Christ, with us as
we week a deeper relationship with you and guide us in our
journey that we may experience your love in all that we do
in your name. Amen
May the peace of the Lord be always with you.
