Our Episcopal
Faith
Our Essential
Beliefs & Practices
We share the central Christian proclamation: "Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again." As Episcopalians, we honor ancient traditions while embracing contemporary understanding, standing on the three pillars of scripture, tradition, and reason.
Our worship follows the Book of Common Prayer, offering a beautiful liturgy that connects us to Christians across centuries. While embracing theological diversity, we unite in Christ's love to proclaim good news, serve those in need, pursue justice, and care for creation.
The Episcopal Church welcomes all backgrounds, questions, and journeys. We invite you to explore faith with us through our sacraments and services and to discover more about our denomination's beliefs through the Episcopal Church's official website.
Sacrament
noun
A Sacrament is a religious ceremony based on Christ's teachings that symbolizes or imparts divine grace. Holy Baptism and the Eucharist are the two great sacraments given by Christ to his Church.
Holy Baptism
Holy Baptism is full initiation into the Church by water and the Holy Spirit. Through this sacrament, God adopts us as His children, makes us members of Christ's Body, and inheritors of His Kingdom. We believe in one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. Baptism is available to congregation members and their families of any age. During the liturgy, our St. Alban's family promises to uphold and sustain the newly baptized on their Christian journey. If you have questions about baptism, our Clergy are here to help, or you may find more information at the link below.
The Eucharist
The Eucharist, or Holy Communion, is the sacrament Christ gave at the Last Supper for remembrance of his life, death, and resurrection. We believe it is a time of praise and thanksgiving, remembering Jesus' sacrifice that takes away our sins. Through consecrating and receiving bread and wine according to Christ's command, we receive forgiveness of sins, strengthened union with Christ and one another, and a foretaste of the heavenly banquet that nourishes us in eternal life. For those wanting to better understand this sacrament, a communion class is available. Click the link below for more information.
The Sacramental Rites of the Episcopal Church
Sacramental rites are sacred ceremonies that mark important life transitions and spiritual milestones, including Confirmation, Marriage, Reconciliation (Confession), Anointing of the Sick (Unction), and Ordination, through which God's grace is especially conveyed at significant moments in our faith journey.
Confirmation
Confirmation is the rite where we express mature commitment to Christ and receive strength from the Holy Spirit through prayer and the laying on of hands by a bishop. St. Alban's offers periodic confirmation classes and inquirer's sessions to address questions about this significant rite. Click the link below for more information or to join a session.
Ordination
Ordination is the rite in which God gives authority and the grace of the Holy Spirit to those being made bishops, priests, and deacons, through prayer and the laying on of hands by a bishop. St. Alban's supports congregation members who embark on this path, and welcomes your interest in this area.
Holy Matrimony
Holy Matrimony celebrates the sacred union of two consenting adults seeking a lifelong commitment. Couples make their vows before God and the Church, receiving grace to fulfill them. Premarital counseling is required. Please follow the link below to discuss having your marriage blessed at St. Alban's.
Confession
Reconciliation of a Penitent or Confession is the rite in which we confess sins to God in the presence of a priest and receive assurance of pardon and the grace of absolution. Communal confession occurs during Sunday worship, while private confessions may be heard by a priest anytime. To speak with clergy about this, follow the link below.
Unction
Unction is the sacramental rite of anointing the sick with oil or laying on of hands, through which God's grace is given for healing of spirit, mind, and body. Members of our healing prayer team offer this rite during Sunday worship services and at our Wednesday healing service.
Prayer Requests
We love lifting you up in prayer. Contact our office or use the link below to join our prayer list. Pastoral visits and appointments are available for specific needs.