THE SACRAMENTS OF THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH   Sacraments are outward and visible signs of inward and spiritual grace, given by God as sure and certain means by which we receive that grace.  Grace is God’s favor toward us; unearned and undeserved. There are seven Sacraments of the church.  Holy Baptism and Holy Eucharist are called The Great Sacraments.  The other five, although a means of grace, are not necessary for all persons in the same way that Baptism and Eucharist are Holy Baptism: The Sacrament by which God accepts us as his own and makes us members of Christ’s Body, the Church and inheritors of the kingdom of God. Holy Eucharist (Communion): The sacrament commanded by Christ for the continual remembrance of his life, death and resurrection, until his coming again.  This is also Called Holy Communion, Lord’s Supper, Mass, and Great Offering Confirmation: The rite in which we express commitment to Christ and receive strength from the Holy Spirit by the laying on of hand by a bishop Ordination: The rite in which God’s authority and grace is given to those being made bishops, priests and deacons by the laying on of hands by a bishop Holy Matrimony: 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 them fulfill their vows Reconciliation: 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. Unction (of the sick): 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. Return To Top