The Sacraments
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 which allow us to
participate in the divine life and foster our relationship with
God. The two primary sacraments are Baptism and Holy Communion
(also called Holy Eucharist).
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 harts 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.
episcopalians
common prayer
the creeds
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