Sacraments
As a sacramental church, we understand that outward and visible signs help us experience an inward and spiritual grace.
Our service has many symbols; from the way we adorn the table with different colors representing the different seasons of the church year to the use of bread and wine for communion. Sacraments enable us to move beyond time and place into the very presence of God and the Church. They help us to transcend the here and now to be part of the one, holy, catholic and apostolic church. As part of the historical church and apostolic succession, we practice seven sacraments throughout the year.
To learn more about sacraments, please call (281-392-3310) or email us at info@cotha.org.
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Communion
As an ecclesia (an assembly of believers in Jesus Christ) we obey Jesus command to remember him through the sharing of bread and wine in communion (“Do this, in remembrance of me). Paul wrote in the Bible that the only requirement for taking communion was to be a follower of Jesus. This is our practice. We offer all who come forward to either receive the bread and dip in lightly on top of the wine found in a ceramic chalice, or to eat the bread and drink the wine directly from the silver chalice. Receiving the bread only is appropriate for those who desire, and we also have gluten free wafers for those who have gluten allergies. Baptism Baptism is the incorporation of a person into the community of believers. As such, it is usually administered at our main service (10:30a) on designated Sundays. In baptism, significant vows are made before God. To help people understand their commitment, pre-baptismal instruction is required for those being baptized. In the case of children, parents and godparents must attend this class. Due to the nature of baptism as a sacrament of incorporation, it is necessary to be a member of Church of the Holy Apostles to be baptized or to present a child for baptism. Confirmation Today, Confirmation is defined as a “mature public affirmation” of faith. (Book of Common Prayer, p. 412.) For those baptized as infants or young children, it serves to confirm the vows that were made at the baptism. In years past, Confirmation was perceived as a rite of passage. It was performed as one entered adolescence and it was often required before one could receive Holy Communion. Those baptized as adults, unless baptized with laying on of hands by a bishop, are also expected to make a public affirmation of their faith and commitment to the responsibilities of their Baptism in the presence of a bishop and receive the laying on of hands. If you were Baptized or Confirmed in another tradition, you can be received into the Episcopal church by the laying on of hands by a bishop. To participate in the sacrament, it is necessary to be a member of Church of the Holy Apostles. Find out more information about upcoming classes and services. First Communion Children 6 years and older will learn about Holy Communion with age appropriate lessons. From the behind the scenes tour of the sanctuary to various activities they will explore the Eucharist service. A keepsake book is given to each child. A parent must attend the classes sharing this special landmark in their child’s life. Classes meet for 5 weeks during the 9a Sunday School time. Find out more information about upcoming classes and services. Weddings Holy Matrimony is a 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 fulfill their vows (BCP pg 861). To participate in the sacrament, it is necessary for at least one person to be a member of Church of the Holy Apostles and the couple must complete the preparation course for the sacrament. Funerals The Funeral or Memorial Service is not itself a sacrament, but celebrates and remembers all that has been sacred in the life of the one who has died. When a Christian dies, the service of the Burial of the Dead– whether a Requiem or a Mass of the Resurrection– celebrates the person’s participation in the sacraments. The liturgy affirms that as in Holy Baptism we die and rise again in Christ, so in death, we die and rise again in Jesus Christ to life eternal. –The Book of Common Prayer The clergy and staff at COTHA are available to speak with you about any questions you may around funerals, burials, death and dying. |
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