In the Episcopal Church we take part in certain regular acts of worship. These are called sacraments. The sacraments are outward and visible signs of inward and spiritual grace, given by Christ as sure and certain means by which we receive that grace. The Catechism defines the Grace as God's favor towards us, unearned and undeserved; by grace God forgives our sins, enlightens our minds, stirs our hearts, and strengthens our wills. The two primary sacraments are baptism and Holy Eucharist are considered the great sacraments given by Christ to his church.
We believe that God is actively present in the world and in us. In the sacraments we realize Gods presence and Gods 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. An Outline of the Faith commonly called the Catechism 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.
Holy Baptism
Holy Baptism is the sacrament by which God adopts us as God's children and makes us members of Christ's Body, the Church, and inheritors of the kingdom of God. The outward and visible sign in Baptism is water, in which the person is baptized in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. The inward and spiritual grace in Baptism is union with Christ in his death and resurrection, birth into God's family the Church, forgiveness of sins, and new life in the Holy Spirit. 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.
The Holy Eucharist
The Holy Eucharist is the sacrament commanded by Christ for the continual remembrance of his life, death, and resurrection, until his coming again. The Eucharist is called a sacrifice because the Church's sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving is the way by which the sacrifice of Christ is made present, and in which he unites us to his one offering of himself. 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 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.
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.
