The Sacraments

Holy Baptism is the rite of initiation into the Christian Church in which the candidate is sprinkled with water “in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.” In Baptism, we are “sealed by the Holy Spirit,” and “marked as Christ’s own for ever.” In Baptism, we enter into a new relationship with God in Christ. We share in our Lord’s death so that we may also share in Christ’s resurrection.

This is why we are Baptized only once. Baptism is complete in and of itself, and it is the only requirement for admission to Holy Communion. In Baptism we promise (or our parents promise for us) to live in relationship with God and return again and again when we go astray.

Those who feel drawn to the waters of Baptism, for themselves or for their child, should contact the Priest-in-Charge.

The Eucharist—also known as Holy Communion or the Mass—is the central act of Christian worship. It is in this sacrament that God in Christ becomes present with us in the bread and wine we offer to God. At the Eucharist, we gather to hear the stories of God’s mighty acts, give to God our prayers of praise and thanksgiving, and take into our bodies Christ’s body so that we may go out into the world transformed into his Body at work in Creation.

The Church teaches that Baptism is the only requirement for admission to Holy Communion. All, no matter age or denominational background, who have been baptized with water “in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit,” are welcome to recieve Holy Communion.

At Confirmation, we publicly reaffirm, in the presence of our local community and the Bishop (who represents the presence of the whole Church) the promises that were made at our baptism. The Bishop then lays her hands on our head and prays for the Holy Spirit to bless and strengthen us in our ministries. Confirmation is not the completion of Baptism, but a separate act of Christian recommitment.

Membership in this church and participation in many ministries of the Episcopal Church is not dependent on Confirmation, but it is a significant way for teenagers to claim their faith as their own, and for adults to formally “join” the Episcopal Church and Anglican Communion.

Those who have been previously confirmed by the laying on of hands of a bishop may be received into the Episcopal Church.

Confirmation and reception takes place during the visitation of our Bishop. If you desire Confirmation or Reception into the Episcopal Church, please speak to the Priest-in-Charge. There will be classes for youth and adults in advance of a visitation.

Confession, or Reconciliation, is the opportunity for an individual to seek God’s forgiveness for “those things done and left undone” that take us out of relationship with God and our neighbors.

Private confession can be an important part of our spiritual growth and development as we seek to deepen our relationship with God. Anything said in the context said in the context of the Sacrament is held in absolute, unbreakable confidence.

Confessions are available by appointment. Please contact Mtr. Samantha to schedule your confession.

As stated in the Book of Common Prayer of the Episcopal Church, “Christian marriage is a solemn and public covenant between two persons in the presence of God.” In the Episcopal Church, it is required that at least one member of the couple is a baptized Christian, and that the couple should plan for at least three one-hour sessions of pre-marital counseling.

The marriage of two people signifies to both the Church and the world the union of Christ and his Church. Marriage vows are lifelong, monogamous, unconditional, and are made in the presence of God and his church.

Same-gender couples may be married at St. Mary’s.

The Episcopal Church allows for the marriage of a divorced person with the consent of the diocesan bishop.

For more information regarding marriage at St. Mary’s, please contact the Office.

Holy Unction, or the Anointing of the Sick is offered at St. Mary’s at both the Sunday morning mass and by request.

If you are ill and cannot come to Church, a priest would be pleased to visit you. Please let us know by email or phone if you, or a friend or family member would like a visit. Due to privacy laws, we will not know if you or a member of your family is in the hospital unless you tell us.

All Christians are called in their Baptism to a life of ministry. Each of us has a Christian Vocation and we can always deepen our understanding of this through study and practice.

Some Christians are also called to the particular life of service to the Church as deacons, priests, and bishops. You may feel called to Holy Orders, but the call is discerned in community and affirmed by the Bishop. The process is long and can be difficult. For more information about discerning your Christian vocation—ordained or lay—please speak with one of the clergy.

The Episcopal Church ordains people of all gender identities and sexualities to Holy Orders.