Sacraments & Sacramental Rites
Sacraments are outward and visible signs of inward and spiritual grace, given by Christ as sure and certain means by which we receive that grace.
God does not limit himself to these rites; they are patterns of countless ways by which God uses material things to reach out to us.
In the sections below, you will find more information about the Sacraments and sacramental rites through which God’s grace is made known to us. Each of these rites is a way to mark milestones in our lives of faith, and we would like to make them available to you. Please reach out to the parish clergy with any questions.
Sacraments
Holy Baptism and the Holy Eucharist are considered the two great Sacraments of the Gospel, as they are the two Sacraments instituted by the Lord himself. They are the ordinary means by which God, through the Church, imparts saving grace to the world.
Holy Baptism
“Holy Baptism is the sacrament by which God adopts us as his children and makes us members of Christ’s Body, the Church, and inheritors of the kingdom of God.”
In the Episcopal Church, baptism is the foundation on which our life of faith is built. All other Sacraments and sacramental rites strengthen, renew, and build upon the relationship established in baptism. The bond which God establishes in baptism is indissoluble.
We believe that in Baptism we are united with Christ in his death and resurrection, born into God’s family the Church, receive forgiveness of sins, and new life in the Holy Spirit.
Baptism is full and complete initiation into the Church and is open to both adults and children (including infant children of baptized parents) who are ready to renounce Satan, repent of their sins, and accept and follow Jesus as Lord and Savior.
In the Episcopal Church we believe in one baptism for the forgiveness of sins and recognize any baptism done with water in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. We do not practice re-baptism.
At St. Mary Magdalene, we are honored to have the privilege of walking alongside you as you grow in your faith and discern if you (or your child) are ready to follow Jesus in his call to be baptized. If you are ready to take that step, please follow the steps outlined below.
- Please complete and submit this baptism registration form.
- Contact our priest to schedule a time to meet and discuss baptismal preparation.
- After your preparation is complete, you will schedule a time for baptism with the parish priest.
Holy Communion
“The Holy Eucharist is the sacrament commanded by
Christ for the continual remembrance of his life, death,
and resurrection, until his coming again.”
As Episcopalians, the Holy Eucharist is at the center of our worship and common life. It is the Church’s sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving, the way by which the sacrifice of Christ is made present, and in which he unites us to his one offering of himself.
It is a service known by many names: the Lord’s Supper, Holy Communion, the Divine Liturgy, the Great Offering, and the Mass. Each of these names helps us to understand the depth of this service and the gift we receive in it. At St. Mary Magdalene, you will most commonly hear it referred to as the Holy Eucharist.
In the Eucharist, we hear Holy Scripture, pray for the Church and the world, and offer God all that we are together with bread and wine. That bread and wine are consecrated and given back to us as the Gifts of God for the people of God, spiritual food and drink, through which we feed on Christ.
We believe that Jesus is truly and really present in the consecrated bread and wine which become for us his Body and Blood. However, unlike other denominations, we do not define how this happens. Rather, we accept it as a divine mystery.
When we receive the Eucharist in faith, we receive the forgiveness of our sins, the strengthening of our union with Christ and one another, and the foretaste of the heavenly banquet, which is our nourishment in eternal life.
In the Episcopal Church, all baptized Christians (including children) are welcome to receive Holy Communion. Before receiving the Church asks us to examine our lives, repent of our sins, and be in love and charity with all people.
Sacramental Rites
These are rites that evolved in the Church under the guidance of the Holy Spirit as a means of grace throughout our Christian journey. Although they are means of grace, they are not necessary for all people in the same way that Baptism and the Eucharist are.
Confirmation
“Confirmation is the rite in which we express a mature
commitment to Christ, and receive strength from the
Holy Spirit through prayer and the laying on of hands
by a bishop.”
In the Episcopal Church, Confirmation is a rite where those baptized at an early age are expected, when they are ready and have been duly prepared, to make a mature public affirmation of their faith and commitment to the responsibilities of their Baptism and to receive the laying on of hands by the bishop.
Confirmation is also available for those who were baptized as adults as a way to make a public affirmation of their faith and commitment to the responsibilities of their Baptism in the presence of a bishop and to receive the laying on of hands.
For those confirmed in the Roman Catholic, Old Catholic, or Eastern Orthodox Churches, there is a rite of reception by the Bishop available to renew your faith and commitment and mark your entry into the Episcopal Church.
For those who may have been baptized and confirmed but have since fallen away from the practice of your faith, a rite of reaffirmation is available.
At St. Mary Magdalene confirmation classes are held in perpetration of the Bishop’s visit. If you have questions about confirmation or would like to be confirmed, received, or to make a reaffirmation of your faith, please contact the parish priest.
Ordination
“Ordination is the rite in which God gives authority and
the grace of the Holy Spirit to those being made bishops, priests, and deacons, through prayer and the laying on
of hands by bishops.”
The Holy Scriptures and ancient Christian writers make it clear that from the apostles’ time, there have been different ministries within the Church. In particular, since the time of the New Testament, three distinct orders of ordained ministers have been characteristic of Christ’s holy Catholic Church.
First, there is the order of bishops who carry on the apostolic work of leading, supervising, and uniting the Church.
Secondly, associated with them are the presbyters, or ordained elders, in subsequent times generally known as priests. Together with the bishops, they take part in the governance of the Church, in the carrying out of its missionary and pastoral work, and in the preaching of the Word of God and administering his holy Sacraments.
Thirdly, there are deacons who assist bishops and priests in all of this work. It is also a special responsibility of deacons to minister in Christ’s name to the poor, the sick, the suffering, and the helpless.
The persons who are chosen and recognized by the Church as being called by God to the ordained ministry are admitted to these sacred orders by solemn prayer and the laying on of hands. In this way, we maintain a connection to the ministry of the Church by going back to the Apostles. This is known as apostolic succession.
In the Episcopal Church, ordination is open to both men and women, whether single or married.
If you feel like you might be called to discern if God is calling you to ordained ministry, please contact the parish priest who will accompany you on this journey.
Holy Matrimony
“Holy Matrimony is Christian marriage, in which two people enter into a life-long union, make their vows before God and the Church, and receive the grace and blessing of God to help them fulfill their vows.”
The Episcopal Church teaches that marriage is a solemn and public covenant between two people in the presence of God. Intended by God for their mutual joy, for the help and comfort they will give to one another in prosperity and adversity, and when it is God’s will, for the gift of children and their nurture in the knowledge and love of God.
Marriage is to be unconditional, mutual, exclusive, faithful and lifelong. It is not to be entered into lightly.
We do, however, recognize that at times due to human weakness some marriages must end in divorce. We do not withhold sacraments from those who have been divorced. Remarriage after divorce is possible in the Church with permission from the Bishop.
In the Episcopal Church marriage is open to all couples regardless of sexual orientation. We simply ask that at least one member of the couple is a baptized Christian.
If you would like to learn more about having your wedding at St. Mary Magdalene please contact the parish office.
Reconciliation of a Penitent
“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.”
In the Episcopal Church, Reconciliation of a Penitent or Confession is available to all baptized Christians who have reached the age of reason. It is not restricted to times of sickness. Confessions may be heard anytime and anywhere.
Unlike in other denominations confession to a priest is not mandatory. However, it is a beneficial spiritual practice. It is especially fitting for those who are struggling with serious sins troubling the conscience, or those returning to the faith after having fallen away.
At St. Mary Magdalene, confession is available seasonally and anytime by appointment.
To schedule an appointment for confession click here.
Anointing of the Sick
“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.”
The rite of anointing of the sick is an expression of the healing ministry of Jesus Christ, which the apostles exercised in his name. This ministry is an integral part of the mission of the Church.
In the Episcopal Church, anointing of the sick is available to all those who suffer in body, mind, or spirit so that they may know the healing power of God’s love. It is not limited to life-threatening illnesses or the time of death. That being said, it is especially appropriate for those who are dealing with serious illness and those who may be close to death.
At St. Mary Magdalene, Anointing of the Sick is available upon request. If you or someone you know is in need of this rite, please contact the parish office as soon as possible at 816-331-2222.
