Sacraments
Sacraments in the Episcopal Church are defined as "outward and visible signs of inward and spiritual grace". They are given by Christ as sure and certain means by which we receive that grace. Only two sacraments are ordained by Christ in the New Testament–Baptism and the Lord's Supper, or Holy Eucharist. An ordained priest administers these:
- Holy Baptism is the only requirement for joining in the Holy Eucharist. An individual is baptized once as a pledge of repentance and trust in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. It is the means by which we are "marked as Christ's own forever".
- Holy Eucharist is a reenactment of the Last Supper that Jesus shared with his disciples before his death on the cross. We share bread and wine as we receive forgiveness of our sins and the strengthening of our union with Christ and one another.
There are five other sacraments, also carried out by an ordained priest:
- Confirmation is the only requirement for joining in the Holy Eucharist. An individual is baptized once as a pledge of repentance and trust in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. It is the means by which we are "marked as Christ's own forever".
- Holy Matrimony is the sacrament of marriage, in which a man and a woman commit their lives to one another and receive God's blessing.
- Reconciliation of a Penitent is the confession of one's sins to God in the presence of a priest and the assurance of Gods forgiveness and grace. While private confession of sins is not a requirement, anyone may request the reconciliation of a penitent from a priest. Confession is always kept in the strictest of confidence.
- Ministration to the Sick is the anointing of 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.
- Ordination is the sacrament consecrating Christians in service to God as bishops, priests and deacons. The service always includes the laying on of hands by a Bishop.