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. The two primary sacraments are Baptism and Holy Communion.

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 hearts 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 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.

Q: What is Holy Baptism?

Holy Baptism is the sacrament by which God adopts us as his children and makes us members of Christ's Body, the Church, and inheritors of the kingdom of God.

Q: What is the outward and visible sign in Baptism?

The outward and visible sign in Baptism is water, in which the person is baptized in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

Q: What is the inward and spiritual grace in Baptism?

The inward and spiritual grace in Baptism 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.

Q: What is required of us at Baptism?

It is required that we renounce Satan, repent of our sins, and accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior.

Q: Why then are infants baptized?

Infants are baptized so that they can share citizenship in the Covenant, membership in Christ, and redemption by God.

Q: How are the promises for infants made and carried out?

Promises are made for them by their parents and sponsors, who guarantee that the infants will be brought up within the Church, to know Christ and be able to follow him.

Q: What is 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.

Q: Why is the Eucharist called a sacrifice?

Because the Eucharist, the Church's sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving, is the way by which the sacrifice of Christ is made present, and in which he unites us to his one offering of himself.

Q: By what other names is this service known?

The Holy Eucharist is called the Lord's Supper, and Holy Communion; it is also known as the Divine Liturgy, the Mass, and the Great Offering.

Q: What is the outward and visible sign in the Eucharist?

The outward and visible sign in the Eucharist is bread and wine, give and received according to Christ's command.

Q: What is the inward and spiritual grace given in the Eucharist?

The inward and spiritual grace in the Holy Communion is the Body and Blood of Christ give to his people, and received by faith.

Q: What are the benefits which we receive in the Lord's Supper?

The benefits we receive are the forgiveness of our sins, [ Page 860> the strengthening of our union with Christ and one another, and the foretaste of the heavenly banquet which is our nourishment in eternal life.

Q: What is required of us when we come to the Eucharist?

It is required that we should examine our lives, repent of our sins, and be in love and charity with all people.

Q: What other sacramental rites evolved in the Church under the guidance of the Holy Spirit?

Other sacramental rites which evolved in the Church include confirmation, ordination, holy matrimony, reconciliation of a penitent, and unction.

Q: How do they differ from the two sacraments of the Gospel?

Although they are means of grace, they are not necessary for all persons in the same way that Baptism and the Eucharist are.

Q: What is Confirmation?

Confirmation is the rite in which we express a mature commitment to Christ, and receive strength from the Holy Spirit through prayer and the laying on of hands by a bishop.

Q: What is required of those to be confirmed?

It is required of those to be confirmed that they have been baptized, are sufficiently instructed in the Christian Faith, are penitent for their sins, and are ready to affirm their confession of Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.

Q: What is Ordination?

Ordination is the rite in which God gives authority and the grace of the Holy Spirit to those being made bishops, priests, and deacons, through prayer and the laying on of hands by bishops.

Q: What is Holy Matrimony?

Holy Matrimony is Christian marriage, in which the woman and man enter into a life-long union, make their vows before God and the Church, and receive the grace and blessing of God to help them fulfill their vows.

Q: What is Reconciliation of a Penitent?

Reconciliation of a Penitent, or Penance, is the rite in which those who repent of their sins may confess them to God in the presence of a priest, and receive the assurance of pardon and the grace of absolution.

Q: What is Unction?

Unction is the rite of anointing the sick with oil, or the laying on of hands, by which God's grace is given for the healing of spirit, mind, and body.

Q: Is God's activity limited to these rites?

God does not limit himself to these rites; they are patterns of countless ways by which God uses material things to reach out to us.