The Episcopal tradition embraces the sacramental tradition.  Sacraments are outward and visible signs of inward and spiritual grace, given by Christ as sure and certain means for receiving God's grace. Baptism and Eucharist are the two great sacraments given by Christ to his church. The Episcopal Church recognizes that five other sacramental rites evolved in the church under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, including Confirmation, Ordination, Holy Matrimony, Reconciliation of a Penitent, and Unction (the anointing of the sick with oil, or the laying on of hands).

Baptism

Holy Baptism is a sacrament by which a person is adopted as daughter or son into the household of God, thus becoming a member of the Body of Christ, the church, and inheritor of the kingdom.

By the outward and visible sign of water, poured three times over the head in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit one is believed to receive the inward the spiritual grace: union with Christ in, with, and through his death and resurrection.  And we thereby are born into God's family-the church, receive the forgiveness of sins, are filled with the Holy Spirit, and are given new life in the communion of Saints, always looking forward to the day of redemption.

Baptism is always connected with learning - learning what it means to walk the journey of faith.  Adults begin their instruction before baptism in a series of classes for newcomers and returners.  Infants are taught after baptism as they grow in the stature in the church.

Baptism of children and adults is celebrated in the context of public worship at a celebration of the Eucharist.  Special feasts during the liturgical cycle are well suited for baptism: the Baptism of Our Lord, Easter, Pentecost, and the Feast of All Saints.  The day of Episcopal Visitation is also appropriate.  While these days are most appropriate and encourage, arrangements can be made for other dates.

Please contact the church office to begin preparation.

Confirmation

Confirmation is a rite by which the baptized member makes a mature affirmation of faith through the renewal of baptismal promises and makes a commitment to walk steadfastly on the spiritual journey.

By the outward and visible sign of oil and the laying on of hands by the bishop the person is said to be sealed with the Holy Spirit and strengthened by the spiritual gifts.  Confirmation in no way supplies something missing in baptism; but, rather, it marks one great moment in the process of an ever-deepening commitment to Christ.  As such, candidates for confirmation participate in a preparation process which is essentially an extension of their baptismal learning.  Additionally, a sponsor is chosen to help them on their journey - a baptized person known for their spiritual and personal commitment.

In related processes: Any person who has already been confirmed by the laying on of hands by a bishop in another denomination and who now wishes to make their Christian journey in the Episcopal tradition may be received by the bishop as a sign of welcome.  Those confirmed in the Episcopal church but who may have lapsed might make public reaffirmations of their faith upon coming back to the church.

Confirmation is a sacrament given through the bishop and so is offered, under normal circumstances, only once per year.  Classes are required and are offered annually in the Fall.  Please email or otherwise contact the church office to begin preparation.

Eucharist

Th Holy Eucharist is a continual remembrance of Christ's life, death, and resurrection.  The Eucharist is the Church's sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving by which the sacrifice of Christ is made present and real and through which we are united to his one offering of himself.

The outward and visible signs of ordinary elements - bread and wine - become by God's grace the body and blood of Christ.  By sharing in this meal we stand in continuity with Jesus who came eating and drinking with sinners, who spoke of the kingdom of God in terms of a wedding feast, and who interpreted his own death in terms of a shared meal.  For our community, the Eucharist is the very real presence of Jesus himself - the Body of Christ (the sacrament) among the Body of Christ (the church).

The Eucharist is the sign of our unity with Christ and through Christ with one another.  It is the practice of the Episcopal church to invite all baptized Christians who recognize the Lord's presence in the Eucharist to share Holy Communion at our common table..

Solemn Holy Communion for Children is celebrated regularly.  More information will be given as this special occasion approaches.    

Reconciliation of the Penitent (Confession)

The Reconciliation of the Penitent is a rite in which one confesses to God in the presence of a priest, receiving the assurance of pardon and the grace of absolution - a formal act of the church pronouncing God's grace. Confessions are scheduled by appointment with a priest.

Anointing of the Sick

The Anointing the Sick with oil and the laying-on-of-hands is a rite by which God's grace is called upon for the healing of spirit, mind, and body.  Please call the church office if you or a loved one would like to be visited, anointed, and/or added to our prayer list.