Sacraments
Baptism
Holy Baptism marks a formal entrance to the congregation and wider Church; the candidates for the sacrament make a series of vows, including an affirmation of the Baptismal Covenant, and to be baptized in the Name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. They are marked as Christ’s own for ever, having “clothed [themselves] with Christ” (Galatians 3:27).
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All people of any age are welcome to baptized; we believe in one baptism for the forgiveness of sins, as the “bond which God establishes in Baptism is indissoluble.”
Holy Eucharist
The sacrament of Christ's body and blood, and the principal act of Christian worship. At the Last Supper, Jesus shared the bread and cup of wine at a sacred meal with his disciples. He identified the bread with his body and the wine with his blood of the new covenant. Jesus commanded his disciples to “do this” in remembrance of Him.
At St. Benedict, we welcome all who desire a deeper relationship with Christ to partake in the sacrament. Our congregation shares in the Eucharist every Sunday by coming forward to the altar to receive the bread and wine.
Confirmation
This sacramental rite allows candidates to express a mature commitment to Christ, and receive strength from the Holy Spirit through prayer and the laying on of hands by a bishop. Those who were baptized at an early age and those baptized as adults without laying on of hands by a bishop are encouraged to make a mature public affirmation of their faith, recommit themselves to the responsibilities of their baptism, and receive laying on of hands by a bishop.
Marriage
The marital rite of the church celebrates couples entering into a life-long union. The couple will make their vows before God and the Church and receive the grace and blessing of God to help them fulfill their vows.
At the Declaration of Consent, the couple promise to love, comfort, honor, and keep their spouse, in sickness and in health, and, forsaking all others, to be faithful to their spouse. The congregation witnesses the couple’s promises, and the members of the congregation vow to do all in their power to uphold the couple in their marriage.
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Contact Rev. Donna if you are looking for more information about weddings (or any of the sacraments) at RevDonna@stbenedict.ws.
Confession
There are times in our lives when things we do (or don't do) block us from growing spiritually. They stand between us and God and we can't get around them. Confession is a way of removing the barriers that our bad behaviors create. Our most common form of confession takes place during the regular Sunday liturgy. As a congregation, we confess our sins and ask for forgiveness.
In the Episcopal Church, penance is not mandatory before receiving Eucharist as it is in some churches. However, an individual, private confession, may also be arranged. When it comes to private confession in the Episcopal Church, “all may, none must, and some should."
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Anointing the Sick
The sacrament is the means by which the sick are anointed with oil and are prayed for with the laying on of hands. This is one way that God’s grace is given for the healing of spirit, mind, and body. In this sacrament, we pray for healing and wholeness. There is a difference between being healed and being cured. Anointing for healing can be administered at any time and is not reserved solely for those who are gravely ill.
