© Copyright 2021, Grace Episcopal Church
New Perspectives on the Way of the Cross | February 21 to March 20
New Perspectives on the Way of the Cross | February 21 to March 20
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. Grace is God’s favor towards us, unearned and undeserved; by grace God forgives our sins, enlightens our minds, stirs our hearts, and strengthens our wills. – Outline of the Faith, Book of Common Prayer 1979
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. Candidates for baptism are sponsored by one or more baptized persons and we baptize infants, children, and adults. Since we affirm that there is one baptism, we do not practice re-baptism. If you are interested in being baptized, please reach out to Fr. Joe.
Most of our worship services include the Holy Eucharist, the “great thanksgiving dinner” of the Church. Jesus told His disciples to take and eat bread, take and drink wine, in remembrance of Him. We do that regularly. All baptized Christians, regardless of your age of baptism, or the amount of water, are welcomed to join us in that memorial.
In the Prayer Book’s Catechism, confirmation is the sacrament “in which a person makes a mature commitment to Christ and receives strength from the Holy Spirit through prayer and the laying on of hands by a bishop.” Since a bishop must be present for confirmation, they are held once a year during the bishop’s visit. Grace offers an Episcopal 101 class for those who intend to be confirmed before the bishop’s visit. Reach out to Fr. Joe for more information or to discern this further.
Reconciliation of a Penitent, or Penance, commonly called confession, 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 is a confidential conversation. Only an ordained Episcopal Priest or Bishop may exercise this sacrament. If you are seeking reconciliation, please reach out to Fr. Joe, Fr. Collin, or Fr. Jose to meet with them.
Marriage is a spiritual act in which two people enter into a life-long union, and by God’s grace, become one. Those who wish to be married at Grace must complete pre-marital counseling either with Father Joe or with someone approved by him. We want to help you start off as strong as possible and develop skills for when tough times come. Graces Nave is not a venue space available for rental. Father Joe or an Episcopal priest must preside at the wedding and the liturgy from the 1979 Prayer Book must be used.
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 bishops. Those who believe they are being called by God to ordained ministry should first reach out to Fr. Joe and begin a discussion with him about this call in your life.
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© Copyright 2021, Grace Episcopal Church