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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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Dear Lord, in your sacraments you fulfill your promise
to be with us always and you strengthen us to continue in
communion with you in a community of faith: bring us we
pray into a closer relationship with you.
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