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.” (The Book of Common Prayer)
Holy Trinity is a liturgical church, which means that the sacraments play a central role in our worship. They give us an awareness of truths that are not self-evident so we may benefit from them. They make something true and available real for us. A sacrament is a point of connection between the invisible and the visible.
Following are the seven sacraments of the Episcopal Church. For a deeper look at sacraments and the Episcopal Church in general, visit the Episcopal Church website.
Holy Baptism of children and adults is a ritual of inclusion and belonging that indicates our desire to enter into a relationship with Jesus Christ and the Church.
Holy Eucharist (also known as the Lord’s Supper or Holy Communion) is “the sacrament commanded by Christ for the continual remembrance of his life, death and resurrection, until his coming again.” Holy Trinity celebrates the Eucharist weekly, and all baptized Christians are welcome to participate.
Pastoral Offices
Confirmation completes the initiation rite that began at baptism by transferring responsibility for the baptismal promises from the sponsors to the one being confirmed. A baptized Christian makes a mature commitment to Christ when he/she is ready to accept that responsibility.
Marriage, or Holy Matrimony, is Christian marriage where a man and woman enter into a life-long union, making their vows before God and Church and receive the grace and blessing of God. In Christian marriage, that relationship is also meant to be and example for others of what it means to be loving and faithful to another.
Annointing the Sick, or Unction, is the rite of anointing the sick with oil, or laying on of hands, by which God’s grace is given for the healing of spirit, body, and mind. It recognizes the difference between being healed and being cured.
Reconciliation of a Penitent, or Penance (also known as 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. It is
optional in the Episcopal Church.
Ordination is a special ministry where some are called within the church to train, equip and empower Christians to be effective. It is the sacrament by which men and women become members of the clergy and are the leadership of the church. Pastoral Care
This is the all-encircling arm of the Church of the Holy Trinity. It is dedicated to the well being of our church family both on a spiritual as well as physical level, through personal contacts and to the reaching out to one another in the name of Christ.
We have Lay Eucharistic Visitors who can take Communion to the Sick and Shut-Ins and any who, for whatever reason, are unable to join us at our Holy Table.
Helping Hands and Hearts are available in any medical or family difficulty where additional assistance is required. Cooks, drivers, shoppers and handymen are made available, as the individual situation requires.
The church Prayer List is updated monthly and the congregation is encouraged to add the names of any who may be in need of our supplications. This prayer list is the main focus of our Wednesday Morning Prayer Service and is read every day by a layperson or a member of the Daughters of the King.
The flowers from the Altar are delivered weekly to the ill or shut-ins; a visual reminder that they are in our hearts as well as in our prayers.
Pastoral Care at our church is a team effort with members working together with the Rector in a concerted effort to see that all members feel the comfort of being a part of a loving church family. Request a Prayer
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