A sacrament is an outward and visible sign of inward and spiritual grace. They are given by Christ as a means by which we receive that grace.
Baptism
Baptism is how we become members of the Church. When a person is baptized with water in the name of the Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit), he or she is united with Christ in His death and resurrection, born into God’s family- the Church, cleansed from their sins, and given new life in the Holy Spirit. Infants are also baptized so they can become members of the Body of Christ and be redeemed from sin. (Most Episcopalians and other Christians who teach infant baptism, however, do not teach that infants and children who die before they can be baptized are unable to go to heaven. This is a popular misconception) When an adult is baptized, he or she renounces satan, repents of their sins, and accepts Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. When infants are baptized, their parents and sponsors make these promises on their behalf. Those baptized as infants may make a mature commitment when old enough. Those already validly baptized in another church are not baptized but are either confirmed or received (if coming from a Catholic or Orthodox background). More information on Baptism: Matthew 28:16-20 , Acts 2:37-41, Acts 8:26-40 , Acts 9:10-19 , Acts 10:44-49, Acts 16:25-34 , Acts 19:1-7, Ephesians 4:1-6.
The Holy Eucharist
The Holy Eucharist, as known as Communion, was instituted by Christ for the rememberence of His life, death, and resurrection. We believe that Christ’s sacrifice is made present in the Eucharist, and we are united to Him in this sacrifice. The bread and wine given represent His Body and Blood. When we receive Communion, we receive the forgiveness of sins and a stronger union with Christ. In the Episcopal Church, everyone who has been baptized, with water, in the Name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, is welcome to receive communion. Members of other denominations should find out what their denomination’s rules are about receiving in other churches. Everyone desiring communion should examine their lives, repent of their sins, and be in love and charity with others. More on the Holy Eucharist: Matthew 26:26-30, Mark 14:22-26, Luke 22:14-20, Luke 24:29-35, John 6:22-59, Acts 2:42-47 I Corinthians 11:23-32.
Confirmation
At Confirmation, confirmands make a commitment to Christ and receive strength from the Holy Spirit. Those baptized as infants are expected to be confirmed at a reasonable age. This is done by the laying on of hands by a bishop. Those baptized as adults might be baptized and confirmed at the same service. More on Confirmation: Acts 1:4-8.
Ordination
At Ordination, those being made bishops, priests, and deacons receive authority from God and the grace of the Holy Spirit through prayer and the laying on of hands by bishops. More information on Ordination and the Ministry: Matthew 28:18-20, Luke 24: 44-49, Acts 6:1-7, Acts 20:28-35, I Timothy 3:1-13, I Timothy 5:17-25, 2 Peter 1:12-21.
Holy Matrimony
In Holy Matrimony, or marriage, a man and a woman make a life-long commitment, make vows before God and the Church, and receive God’s blessing. Marriage is for intended for mutual joy, help and comfort of each other in good and bad times, and for the procreation of children when it is God’s will. More on Marriage: Genesis 2:4-9, 15-24, The Song of Solomon, Mark 10:6-9, 13-16, Ephesians 5:25-33.
Reconciliation
In Reconciliation (also known as Penance or Confession), a Christian confesses their sins to God in the presence of a priest and receives absolution. It’s also possible to confess sins to another Christian or or for the penitent to confess their sins directlyto God. However, only a priest may pronounce absolution. More on Confession: James 5:16-20, Matthew 18:15-20, John 20:22-23, I John 1:5-10.
Unction
At Unction, a sick person is anointed with oil and/or receives the laying on of hands for healing of spirit, mind, and body. The annointing with oil is not intended to be a cure, rather, is is intended to give the sick person a sense of wholeness and forgiveness of sins. More on Unction: Mark 6:7, 12-13, James 5:14-16.
THE SEVEN SACRAMENTS
