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“Sacraments are outward and visible signs of inward and spiritual grace” (Book of Common Prayer, p. 857).
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.
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.
Q: What is Holy Baptism?
Baptism is the means by which we become members of the community of believers, defined in the New Testament as the Body of Christ. Just as Jesus was baptized with water by John the Baptist, we include people in the community of faith by baptizing them with water. Following a series of questions, responses and prayers, the priest pours water on the candidate. The sign of the cross may be made on the candidate’s forehead with blessed oil. In the Episcopal Church a person is baptized only once.
Baptism @ COTHA
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.
Baptism is the means by which we become members of the community of believers, defined in the New Testament as the Body of Christ. Just as Jesus was baptized with water by John the Baptist, we include people in the community of faith by baptizing them with water. Following a series of questions, responses and prayers, the priest pours water on the candidate. The sign of the cross may be made on the candidate’s forehead with blessed oil. In the Episcopal Church a person is baptized only once.
Baptism @ COTHA
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.
Q: What is Holy Communion?
It is a reenactment of the Last Supper Jesus shared with his disciples before his death on the cross. Any baptized person is welcome to share in this meal of bread and wine.
Communion @ COTHA
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.
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 9:30a Sunday School time. Find out more information about upcoming classes and services.
It is a reenactment of the Last Supper Jesus shared with his disciples before his death on the cross. Any baptized person is welcome to share in this meal of bread and wine.
Communion @ COTHA
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.
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 9:30a Sunday School time. Find out more information about upcoming classes and services.
Q: What are the other sacraments?
Besides Baptism and the Eucharist (Holy Communion), the church recognizes other spiritual markers in our journey of faith. These include:
Besides Baptism and the Eucharist (Holy Communion), the church recognizes other spiritual markers in our journey of faith. These include:
- Confirmation (the adult affirmation of our baptismal vows), pp. 413-419, Book of Common Prayer
- Reconciliation of a Penitent (private confession), pp. 447-452, Book of Common Prayer
- Matrimony (Christian marriage), pp. 422-438, Book of Common Prayer
- Orders (ordination to deacon, priest, or bishop), pp. 510-555, Book of Common Prayer
- Unction (anointing with oil those who are sick or dying) pp. 453-467, Book of Common Prayer
Q: What is confirmation?
Confirmation is when a baptized person, who has been instructed in the Christian faith, makes a mature commitment to God within a worship setting and receives a special blessing and prayer from the bishop.
Confirmation @ COTHA
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.
Confirmation is when a baptized person, who has been instructed in the Christian faith, makes a mature commitment to God within a worship setting and receives a special blessing and prayer from the bishop.
Confirmation @ COTHA
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.
Q: What is holy matrimony?
Holy Matrimony is Christian marriage, in which two people enter into a lifelong union and make their promises before God in a worship service.
Weddings @ COTHA
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. Find out more or schedule a wedding.
Holy Matrimony is Christian marriage, in which two people enter into a lifelong union and make their promises before God in a worship service.
Weddings @ COTHA
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. Find out more or schedule a wedding.
Q: What is reconciliation of a penitent?
While private confession of sins is not a requirement, anyone may request the reconciliation of a penitent from a priest and receive assurance of God’s forgiveness. The confession is always made in private and kept in strict confidence.
While private confession of sins is not a requirement, anyone may request the reconciliation of a penitent from a priest and receive assurance of God’s forgiveness. The confession is always made in private and kept in strict confidence.
Q: What is unction?
Unction is a special blessing for those who are sick or desire special prayers. A sign of the cross is made on their forehead with blessed oil.
Unction is a special blessing for those who are sick or desire special prayers. A sign of the cross is made on their forehead with blessed oil.
Q: What is ordination?
Ordination is the sacrament whereby God empowers trained persons for special ministry as deacons, priests or bishops. The service always includes the laying on of hands by bishops.
Ordination is the sacrament whereby God empowers trained persons for special ministry as deacons, priests or bishops. The service always includes the laying on of hands by bishops.
Funerals @ COTHA
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. Find out more or schedule a funeral.
The clergy and staff at COTHA are available to speak with you about any questions you may around funerals, burials, death and dying.
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. Find out more or schedule a funeral.
The clergy and staff at COTHA are available to speak with you about any questions you may around funerals, burials, death and dying.