Sacraments of the Episcopal Church
Our church stands in unity with other denominations following the Christian traditions of a shared faith: “Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again.” A summary of our faith can be found in The Apostles Creed and the Nicene Creed. The Episcopal Church is unique in that it retains the ancient traditions of Christianity while embracing modern theology and contemporary awareness of the human experience. Church beliefs and doctrines are based on scripture, tradition, and reason. Our worship experience follows the 1979 edition of the Book of Common Prayer, (BCP). It provides a foundation and structure which is the liturgy.
Perceptions of the Episcopal Church are varied. We have a diverse membership with a range of theological perspectives and practices. The Episcopal Church, like other denominations, has faced its share of debates and controversies; but remains an open and welcoming place to begin or continue your faith journey. Our focus remains on the gospel of Christ in spreading the good news, aiding those in need, pursuing social justice, and caring for our earth as good stewards of the Lord. Our common worship is shaped by the Sacraments, Sacramental Rites, and Services of the Church.
Our Beliefs
Sacrament
noun
A Sacrament is a religious ceremony or ritual based on the scriptural teachings of Jesus Christ. Its purpose is to symbolize or impart divine grace. Holy Baptism and the Eucharist (or Holy Communion) are the two great sacraments given by Christ to his Church.
Holy Baptism
Holy Baptism is the full initiation into the Church by water and the Holy Spirit. We believe in one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. It is the sacrament by which God adopts us as His children and makes us members of Christ’s Body, the Church, and inheritors of His Kingdom. The sacrament of baptism is available to members of our congregation and their families. Age is not a limiting factor. The St. Alban’s church family is included in the liturgy during baptism. We make a solemn promise to uphold and sustain the newly baptized and their family on their Christian journey. If you have questions or concerns about baptism, members of the Clergy are here to help; or, you may click the link below for more information.
The Eucharist
The Eucharist, or Holy Communion, is the sacrament given by Christ at the Last Supper, for the remembrance of his life, death, and resurrection. We believe the Eucharist is a time of praise and thanksgiving in remembering the sacrifice Jesus made on the cross,to take away our sins. Holy Communion is the act of consecrating, giving, and then receiving bread and wine according to Christ’s command. Through this act of sharing we receive forgiveness of sins, the strengthening of our union with Christ (and one another), and the foretaste of the heavenly banquet which is our nourishment in eternal life.
A communion class is available for those looking to feel more comfortable or understand the practice of receiving communion. Click the link below for more information.
What is a Sacramental Rite?
A Sacramental Rite is intended to order the church’s common worship detailing what is said and done in a religious observance. Its purpose is to express the church’s relationship with God through words, actions and symbols.
The Sacramental Rites of the Episcopal Church
Sacramental rites include Confirmation, Ordination, Holy Matrimony, Reconciliation of a Penitent, and Unction or Anointing. They are described in the BCP on pages 860-861.
Confirmation
Confirmation is the rite in which we express a 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 periodically offers confirmation classes and inquirer’s sessions. They are designed to address questions and concerns about the effect and role of the rite of confirmation in life. 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. Our church family has provided support to candidates from our congregation who have embarked on this path. Your interest in these areas is welcome.
Holy Matrimony
Holy Matrimony or Marriage is recognized as a state of union sanctified by God from the beginning of creation. We believe in the sacredness of marriage between two consenting adults seeking to enter into a life-long union, making their vows before God and the Church, and receiving His grace and blessing helping them fulfill their vows. Premarital counseling sessions are an integral part of Holy Matrimony in the Episcopal tradition. If there is interest in discussing the church’s blessing of your marriage and what that means in your life, please follow the link below to begin the conversation.
Confession
Reconciliation of a Penitent or Confession, is the rite in which those who seek to 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. Communal confession occurs every Sunday during our worship service. Private or individual confessions may be heard by a priest anytime and anywhere. If you desire to speak to clergy on this topic follow the link below
Unction
Unction refers to the oil or ointment used in praying for healing or wholeness. It is the sacramental 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. Members of the healing prayer team are available to administer this rite during our Sunday worship service. It is also part of the Wednesday healing service.
Services for a variety of needs are included in the Book of Common Prayer. Please contact our Clergy for any specific requests or needs.
Prayer Requests
We love lifting you up in prayer. You may contact the office; or use the link below to be added to our prayer list. You may also request a pastoral visit or appointment for any specific needs.