Sacramental Life
at Grace-St. Luke's Episcopal Church
A brief users' guide to the Sacraments and pastoral offices
This page answers some basic questions about how to draw on the rich resources of the sacramental life as practiced at Grace-St. Luke's. The Episcopal Church's teaching on the sacraments is summarized in Questions and Answers from the Catechism (Book of Common Prayer {"BCP"}, pp. 857-861).
Table of Contents
What are the sacraments?
What is Holy Baptism?
What is Holy Eucharist?
What is Confirmation?
What is Holy Matrimony?
What is Reconciliation?
What is Unction?
Other Pastoral Offices
What are the sacraments?
The 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.
What is 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. Grace-St. Luke's has four regularly scheduled dates for Baptism: Easter Eve, Pentecost, All Saints or the Sunday thereafter, and the First Sunday after Epiphany. An additional date during the summer is often scheduled. Parents and Godparents of the infants and young children to be baptized make the commitment to bring them up in the Christian faith. A Baptismal Seminar is usually held the day before the Baptism. Call the church office at least ten days in advance to make arrangements for Baptisms of adults or children. (See BCP, pp. 298-308)
What is Holy Eucharist?
The Holy Eucharist is the sacrament commanded by Christ for the continual remembrance of his life, death, and resurrection, until his coming again. The outward and visible sign in the Eucharist is bread an wine, given and received according to Christ's command. The inward and spiritual grace is the Body and Blood of Christ given to his people, and received by faith. Grace-St. Luke's offers the Holy Eucharist three times on Sunday and on Wednesday evening, as well as at special times. All baptized Christians, including small children, are invited to receive Communion at Grace-St. Luke's, although parents may also choose to bring children to the altar rail to receive a blessing. All are welcome to receive both the consecrated bread and wine; those who prefer may receive only the Bread (cross your arms over your chest to indicate this), or have the Chalice Bearer dip the Communion wafer in the chalice. If you're not sure what to do, just watch your neighbor or ask a member of the clergy or congregation. To make arrangements for Communion to be brought to the sick or the homebound, call the church office. (See BCP pp. 323ff for Rite One [traditional language] and pp. 355ff for Rite Two [contemporary language]).
What is Confirmation?
Confirmation is the rite in which we express a mature commitment to Christ, and receive strength from the Holy Spirit through prayer and laying on of hands by a bishop. Adult confirmation classes are offered in spring and fall, and are also available to those who want a "refresher course" or to learn more about the Episcopal Church. Grace-St. Luke's offers youth confirmation classes each year for those in seventh grade and older. Consult the church office or the clergy for more information. (See BCP pp. 412-419)
What is Holy Matrimony?
Holy Matrimony is 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. Please request Guides to the Celebration and Blessing of a Marriage for information about weddings at Grace-St. Luke's. According to canon law, a couple must consult the clergy at least 30 days prior to the proposed wedding date (90 days if either party is divorced, when the bishop's approval is required) which permits time for premarital counseling with the clergy. Reserving the church well in advance is strongly advised. (See BCP pp. 422-432)
What is Reconciliation?
Reconciliation of a Penitent 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. This sacrament is available upon request to those whose consciences are troubled and those wishing to use it as a means of spiritual growth. The secrecy of the confession is absolute. Appointments for private confession may be scheduled with a member or the clergy. (See BCP pp. 446-452)
What is Unction?
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. Unction is offered the first Sunday of the month at the 8:00 am service, and is also available on request to the clergy, whether at church, in the hospital or at home. It is appropriate in any circumstance of physical, mental, or spiritual suffering or illness. (See BCP pp. 455-456) You may also request prayers for the sick, bereaved, or troubled by contacting the church office, the clergy, or the Daughters of the King.
Other Pastoral Services
Blessing of a Civil Marriage (See BCP pp. 433-434)
Thanksgiving for a Child- birth or adoption (See BCP pp. 439-445)
Ministration to the Sick (BCP pp. 453-461
Ministration at the Time of Death- Clergy should be notified when death appears imminent so that the ministry of the church can be provided. (See BCP pp. 462-467)
Burial- Contact the clergy as soon as possible when death has occurred, so that funeral arrangements can be made. (See BCP pp. 468-507) Funeral Arrangement Forms are available from the church office.
Blessing for a Home
Blessing of a Pregnant Woman
Anniversary of Marriage/Renewal of Vows
Blessing of Pets- Scheduled on or near St. Francis Day: October 4
