Sacraments
At the center of our worship are the sacraments, which our prayer book defines as: “outward and visible signs of inward and spiritual grace, given by Christ as sure and certain means by which we receive that grace.” (The Book of Common Prayer, p. 857)
Baptism and Eucharist (Holy Communion) are the two great sacraments given by Christ.
Baptism
The outward and visible sign for 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 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. Our Baptism calls us to a life of pursuing justice for others, and a common life of learning, fellowship and prayer.
Eucharist
The outward and visible sign for Eucharist is bread and wine, given and received according to Christ’s command. The inward and spiritual grace is the Body and Blood of Christ given to his people and received by faith. We eat his meal in anticipation that Christ will one day return in glory. We believe that in the elements of the wine and bread, is the real presence of Christ with us, strengthening us for service to the world.
In addition to these two, there are other spiritual markers in our journey of faith that can serve as means of grace. These include:
- Confirmation: the adult affirmation of our baptismal vows
- Reconciliation of a Penitent: private confession
- Matrimony: Christian marriage
- Orders: ordination to the diaconate, priesthood, or episcopacy
- Unction: anointing those who are sick or dying with holy oil
