Sacraments

The Sacramental Life

Throughout the Bible, God is the one who reveals himself through the created world. In the Garden, he walks with Adam and Eve in the cool of the day. He speaks to Moses from the burning bush. He leads his people out of Egypt with a pillar of cloud and fire. He gives precise instructions as to how he is to be worshiped in the Old Testament. In the person of Jesus, God does not merely use the material world, but he takes on matter himself. As St John says in his Gospel, “the Word became flesh and dwelt among us.” (John 1:14) Throughout his ministry, Jesus uses material things to interact with those he reaches out to… things like water, oil, dirt, bread, wine, and his own touch. After his death, resurrection, and ascension, Jesus promises that he will continue to be with us through material things, most especially in Baptism and the Holy Eucharist. Because it is part of God’s character to be present with us through matter, our worship and Christian life embrace the beauty of created things. Through outward forms, God in Christ enters again into creation and promises us his grace. We call these things Sacraments.

  • Baptism

    “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” Matthew 28:19

    Baptism, which is the rite of entry into the Church’s fellowship, marks the beginning of new life in Jesus Christ. In it we are united to Christ’s death and resurrection; we receive the forgiveness of sins and are given grace to live according to God’s will.

    Click here to request more information about Baptism.

  • Holy Eucharist

    “I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. And the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh.” John 6:51

    The Holy Eucharist (also called “Holy Communion” and the “Most Blessed Sacrament”) is the food of new and everlasting life for those who have been united to God and the Church through Baptism. Through the outward forms of bread and wine, we receive the fullness of Christ’s Body and Blood, offered for the life of the world.

    Prior to receiving Holy Communion, one must have been baptized, be in love and charity with others, prepared by repentance and fasting, and believe in the real presence of Our Lord in the Sacrament, as he himself commanded.

    Click here to request more information about receiving Holy Communion.

  • Confirmation

    “Then [Peter & John] laid their hands on them and they received the Holy Spirit.” Acts 8:17

    Confirmation is the laying on of the Bishop’s hands with prayer for strengthening by the Holy Spirit. In Confirmation, we make a mature confession of faith, publicly renewing the vows and promises made at Baptism. Christians wishing to enter the Anglican Church from another tradition (who have not been confirmed by a Bishop in the Apostolic Succession) are generally received through this Sacrament.

    Click here to request more information about the Sacrament of Confirmation.




  • Confession

    Jesus breathed on the Apostles and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you withhold forgiveness from any, it is withheld.” John 20:22-23

    In sacramental Confession, a Priest, acting under God’s authority, pronounces God’s forgiveness in response to repentance and confession of sin. Christ conveys his pardon through the Cross, removes and cancels our sin, declares us reconciled and at peace with him, and grants us the assurance of his grace and salvation. All Christians are encouraged to receive the grace of sacramental Confession on a regular basis.

    Click here to schedule an appointment for Confession with a Priest.


  • Unction

    “Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord.” James 5:14

    Through prayer and anointing with oil, the Priest invokes God’s blessing upon those suffering in body, mind, or spirit. In doing so, God gives healing, strength, and peace, either for recovery from injury or illness, or for perseverance in adversity, especially in preparation for death.

    Click here if you are sick and would like to receive the Sacrament of Unction.






  • Marriage

    “‘Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.’ This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church.” Ephesians 5:31-32

    Marriage is the exclusive, lifelong, covenantal union of love between one man and one woman, and a reflection of the faithful love that unites Christ and his Bride, the Church. Marriage is therefore holy and should be held in honor among all. The Book of Common Prayer holds that “God ordained marriage for the procreation of children to be brought up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord; for a remedy against sin and to avoid sexual immorality; for mutual friendship, help, and comfort, both in prosperity and in adversity; and for the benefit of family, church, and society.”

    Click here to request more information about Marriage in the Anglican Church.

  • Ordination

    “While [the Apostles] were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, ‘Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.’ Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off.” Acts 13:2-3

    The Anglican Church receives from Christ the three orders of Bishop, Priest, and Deacon. As successors of the Apostles, Bishops are the chief pastors, catechists, and missionaries in the Church, guarding her unity and discipline. Priests are those set aside by Christ to serve God’s people through the ministry of Word and Sacrament, pronouncing absolution and blessing in Christ’s Name. Deacons are those ordained to a ministry of service, caring for those in need, both in body and in spirit.