The Sacrament of Holy Baptism
Holy Baptism is defined in the Book of Common Prayer as full initiation by water and the Holy Spirit into Christ’s Body the Church. This sacrament is offered within the context of the celebration of the Eucharist on prescribed days in accordance with the Church calendar. This is to allow the entire community to accept responsibility for nurturing of the newly baptized and to welcome them into the household of faith.
The Sacrament of Confirmation
It is required of those who are to be confirmed that they have been Baptized, have been sufficiently instructed in the Christian faith, are penitent for their sins, and are ready to affirm their confession of Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. This Sacrament is administered by a Bishop at a celebration of the Holy Eucharist. Confirmation classes are held throughout the year in preparation for receiving the Sacrament.
The Sacrament of 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 also called the Lord’s Supper, and Holy Communion; additionally, it is also known as the Divine Liturgy, the Mass, and the Great Offering. Through partaking of the Eucharist we receive the benefits of forgiveness of our sins, the strengthening of our union with Christ and one another, and the foretaste of the heavenly feast which is our nourishment in eternal life. Before we partake of this sacrament is required that we examine our lives, repent of our sins, and be in love and charity with all people.
The Sacrament of Reconciliation
Reconciliation is the sacrament of repentance and confession of sin in the presence of a priest. The priest pronounces forgiveness of their sins and blesses the penitent. All confessions are made in strict confidence and are private. The priest may not reveal the confession to anyone except for God alone. The priest may not bring up the confession to the same penitent at a later time.
The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick
Holy Unction is the sacrament of the anointing with oil and laying on of hands for healing and deliverance. The Bishop for this special use has blessed the oil used.
The Sacrament of Holy Matrimony
Holy Matrimony is the union of one man and one woman, joined together for a life of love and commitment before God. A man and a woman come before the Church of God to take their vows. This relationship is like Christ and his Church, the bride being the Church, and is a most important and sacred action in God’s creation requiring the utmost preparation of the couple, and the prayers and support of the community. It is an exciting time and an occasion well deserving the lifting up of God’s blessings, and sharing with the membership of the church.
The Sacrament of Holy Orders
Holy Orders is the sacrament of the conveyance of Apostolic authority by way of ordination, consecration and incardination of Bishops, Priests and Deacons. Christ instituted these orders for the purpose of training, edifying, nurturing and maturing the saints for service and unity.
