SACRAMENTS
Sacraments and Sacramental Rites
The Sacrament of Holy Baptism is full initiation by water and the Holy Spirit into Christ’s Body the Church. Baptisms are traditionally celebrated in January on the Feast of the Baptism of our Lord, at the Easter Vigil or on Easter Sunday, on Pentecost Day, or on All Saints’ Day. At least one session of preparation is required for Baptism. Please call the church office to schedule a meeting with the Rector.
Holy Communion
As Episcopalians we believe that Christ is truly present in our midst as a worshipping community and particularly in the bread and wine which become for us the Body and Blood of Christ, a mystery of God’s great love for us. Those who are baptized in any Christian tradition are welcome to receive Holy Communion. Preparation for children to receive Holy Communion is offered in our Christian formation program of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. Parents and their children may also meet with the Rector to prepare a child to receive Holy Communion. You are welcome to discuss the age appropriate for receiving Holy Communion with the Rector.
Confirmation
In the course of our Christian journey, 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. Our young people who have participated in Journey to Adulthood [around ages 15-18] are invited to consider receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation. Any baptized adult who has not made a public affirmation of Christian faith may also be confirmed following a course of preparation. Those confirmed in another tradition may be received by the bishop.
If the bishop agrees to baptize and seal a person (an adult) prepared to make a mature public affirmation of faith, that person is both baptized and confirmed in the one event.
Marriage
The guidelines for weddings held at St. Luke’s are listed here.
Reconciliation of a Penitent
This is often is referred to as “confession of sins” and is available for all who desire it. If you wish to receive this ministry, contact the Rector to arrange a meeting time. Read over the rite in the Book of Common Prayer beginning on page 447.
Anointing of the Sick
Prayers for healing with laying on of hands and anointing with oil are offered on Sundays during or following services, in hospitals, homes, or care facilities, at or near the time of death or at any other time upon request. Contact the Rector or church office to request this ministry. Let us know when someone is hospitalized in order to receive a visit.
Holy Orders
The persons who are chosen and recognized by the Church as being called by God to the ordained ministry of bishop, priest or deacon, are admitted to these sacred orders by solemn prayer and the laying on of episcopal hands, following a lengthy process of personal and communal discernment and preparation. Those who are exploring a call to ordained ministry should meet with the Rector and be engaged in on-going spiritual direction.
Holy Communion
As Episcopalians we believe that Christ is truly present in our midst as a worshipping community and particularly in the bread and wine which become for us the Body and Blood of Christ, a mystery of God’s great love for us. Those who are baptized in any Christian tradition are welcome to receive Holy Communion. Preparation for children to receive Holy Communion is offered in our Christian formation program of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. Parents and their children may also meet with the Rector to prepare a child to receive Holy Communion. You are welcome to discuss the age appropriate for receiving Holy Communion with the Rector.
Confirmation
In the course of our Christian journey, 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. Our young people who have participated in Journey to Adulthood [around ages 15-18] are invited to consider receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation. Any baptized adult who has not made a public affirmation of Christian faith may also be confirmed following a course of preparation. Those confirmed in another tradition may be received by the bishop.
If the bishop agrees to baptize and seal a person (an adult) prepared to make a mature public affirmation of faith, that person is both baptized and confirmed in the one event.
Marriage
The guidelines for weddings held at St. Luke’s are listed here.
Reconciliation of a Penitent
This is often is referred to as “confession of sins” and is available for all who desire it. If you wish to receive this ministry, contact the Rector to arrange a meeting time. Read over the rite in the Book of Common Prayer beginning on page 447.
Anointing of the Sick
Prayers for healing with laying on of hands and anointing with oil are offered on Sundays during or following services, in hospitals, homes, or care facilities, at or near the time of death or at any other time upon request. Contact the Rector or church office to request this ministry. Let us know when someone is hospitalized in order to receive a visit.
Holy Orders
The persons who are chosen and recognized by the Church as being called by God to the ordained ministry of bishop, priest or deacon, are admitted to these sacred orders by solemn prayer and the laying on of episcopal hands, following a lengthy process of personal and communal discernment and preparation. Those who are exploring a call to ordained ministry should meet with the Rector and be engaged in on-going spiritual direction.
Last Updated: March 20, 2017
