SACRAMENTS

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From the Latin word sacrare, meaning “to consecrate," sacraments are Christian rites symbolic of the spirit. The Book of Common Prayer (p. 857) defines sacraments 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 Episcopal Church recognizes two major or "gospel" sacraments, Baptism and Communion. Minor sacraments include Confirmation and Marriage.

There are seven sacraments (Baptism, Holy Eucharist, Confirmation, Marriage, Unction, Reconciliation, and Ordination) in the Episcopal Church: a brief description of each follows here. For a deeper look into the sacraments and the Episcopal Church in general, visit the Episcopal Church website.

Baptism

Baptism is a ritual of inclusion and belonging that indicates our desire to enter into a relationship with Jesus Christ and the Church. We baptize adults and infants in the Episcopal Church on the belief that God's love extends to everyone regardless of their age. Baptism almost always takes place within the Sunday Eucharist.

In the waters of baptism we are reminded that we belong to God and nothing can separate us from the love of God.  We also find ourselves part of an extended family, one with Christians throughout the ages and across the world, what we call the "one, holy, catholic [meaning 'universal'], and apostolic Church."  Those interested in arranging for a baptism may contact the church office at (808) 822-4267.

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Holy Eucharist (Communion)

Wherever you are in your spiritual journey, you are welcomed at God’s Table at All Saints'.

Also known as the Lord's Supper, or Holy Communion, the Eucharist is "the sacrament commanded by Christ for the continual remembrance of his life, death, and resurrection, until his coming again." (BCP, 859) We celebrate the Eucharist weekly, believing that it gives us the spiritual food we need to sustain us in our spiritual journeys.

FOR THOSE RECEIVING HOLY COMMUNION: It is the custom to come forward and place the palm of one hand in the other to receive the bread. The leavened bread, baked into a thin round wafer, is given first, followed by the wine. You may receive the wine either by guiding the chalice to your mouth, or by carefully dipping the wafer into the wine—this practice is known as “intinction” and is a matter of personal preference. If you wish to receive only bread, consume the wafer and then cross your arms over your chest when the chalice bearer approaches you.

FOR THOSE RECEIVING A BLESSING in lieu of Communion: It is the custom to come forward and to fold your arms across your chest in an X-fashion, which indicates that you are not receiving the sacrament. The Priest will offer a prayer of blessing for you.

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Confirmation (Reaffirmation & Reception)

Confirmation is the adult affirmation of our baptismal vows and commitment to Christ.  There is no age requirement but the decision is determined by each individual as they are led by the Holy Spirit.  Confirmation classes are normally planned in conjunction with the island-wide Regional Confirmation Ceremony that usually take place in the Spring.  Those interested in becoming confirmed should contact the parish clergy.

Reaffirmation is for people who are already confirmed in the Episcopal Church, but are presented to the Bishop during the service of Confirmation to "reaffirm" their Christian vows.  These may be people who have been away from the church for a period of time and want to make a new beginning; others may sense that they are at a new stage in their spiritual lives and want to affirm this.  

Reception is reserved for those who have already been confirmed in another denomination.  This is a way of recognizing and honoring those that have made a mature confession of faith and welcome them into the fellowship of the Episcopal Church.  They are also presented to the Bishop during the confirmation ceremony.

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Reconciliation

"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." (BCP, 859)

Also known as Confession, this sacrament is perhaps the least understood. Why tell God something that God already knows . . . in the presence of another person? Because there are times in our lives when things we do (or don't do) block us from growing spiritually. They stand between us and God and we can't get around them. Penance is a way of removing the barriers that our bad behaviors create. Someone once said, "Talking about things makes them real." To do so with a person who is obligated to confidentiality -- and then hear that God loves and forgives us in spite of what we've done -- can be a very healing experience. It is meant to be a regular part of a Christian's spiritual development.

In the Episcopal Church, a general Confession is part of our regular Sunday Holy Eucharist service. Penance is not mandatory before receiving Eucharist as it is in some denominations. 

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Matrimony

At All Saints' we understand marriage to be a physical and spiritual union, entered into within the community of faith, by mutual consent of heart, mind and will, and with intent that it be life-long.  We are committed to treating equally all couples presenting themselves for the rite of Marriage. 

Our covenantal life with God is expressed in relationships of commitment and faithfulness, including those of same-sex couples. It is the Church’s joy to celebrate relationships as signs of God’s love, to pray for God’s grace to support couples in their life together, and to join with these couples in our shared witness to the gospel in the world.

For more information, please contact the Church office,
(808) 822-4267.

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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." (BCP, 859)
 
This sacrament exists for the purpose of healing -- to restore a person to physical, emotional and spiritual wholeness. When we anoint and pray for people, we ask God to release them from anything that prevents a person from being whole. Christians recognize that there is a difference between being healed and being cured. In the sacrament of Unction, we pray for healing and wholeness, which may or may not include a cure.

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Ordination

God calls all people into a spiritual relationship and gives us particular gifts with which to live our lives as Christians. We use the word "ministry" to describe our response to God's call to live a certain way and do particular things. Everyone has a ministry because everyone is called.

In the Episcopal Church, some are called to a special ministry within the church to train, equip and empower Christians to be effective. These are the clergy, and ordination is the sacrament by which men and women become members of the clergy. 

Who are the ministers of the Church?
The ministers of the Church are lay persons, bishops, priests, and deacons.

What is the ministry of the laity?
The ministry of lay persons is to represent Christ and his Church; to bear witness to him wherever they may be; and, according to the gifts given them, to carry on Christ's work of reconciliation in the world; and to take their place in the life, worship, and governance of the 
Church.

What is the ministry of a bishop?
The ministry of a bishop is to represent Christ and his Church, particularly as apostle, chief priest, and pastor of a diocese; to guard the faith, unity, and discipline of the whole Church; to proclaim the Word of God; to act in Christ's name for the reconciliation of the world and the building up of the Church; and to ordain others to continue Christ's ministry.

What is the ministry of a priest or presbyter?
The ministry of a priest is to represent Christ and his Church, particularly as pastor to the people; to share with the bishop in the overseeing of the Church; to proclaim the Gospel; to administer the sacraments; and to bless and declare pardon in the name of God.

What is the ministry of a deacon?
The ministry of a deacon is to represent Christ and his Church, particularly as a servant of those in need; and to assist bishops and priests in the proclamation of the Gospel and the administration of the sacraments.

What is the duty of all Christians?
The duty of all Christians is to follow Christ; to come together week by week for corporate worship; and to work, pray, and give for the spread of the Kingdom of God.

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Burial of the Dead

Although not a sacrament, this is a time to utilize the pastoral and liturgical ministry of the Church. The death of a member of the Church should be reported as soon as possible, and arrangements for the funeral should be made in consultation with the priest. Burial of cremated remains in the All Saints' Columbarium and Cemetery is available to members and the family of members of All Saints'. For more information, please contact the church office at (808) 822-4267.