The Sacraments

The Book of Common Prayer (BCP) defines sacraments as “outward and visible signs of inward and spiritual grace, given by Christ as sure and certain means by which we receive that grace.” The two great sacraments are Holy Baptism and the Holy Eucharist. 

Holy Baptism is full initiation by water and the Holy Spirit in which God adopts us as his children and makes us members of Christ’s Body, the Church, and inheritors of the kingdom of God. Holy Baptism is especially appropriate at the Easter Vigil, on the Day of Pentecost, on All Saints’ Day or the Sunday after All Saints’ Day, and on the Feast of the Baptism of our Lord (the First Sunday after the Epiphany). Please contact Fr. Jeff if you are interested in Baptism for yourself or your children. 

The Holy Eucharist is the sacrament commanded by Christ for the continual remembrance of his life, death, and resurrection, until his coming again. Saint Andrew’s celebrates both Rite One and Rite Two throughout the year. 

Unction of the Sick 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. Saint Andrew’s has a Healing Service and Eucharist each Saturday at 5:00 p.m. In addition, the Order of St. Luke offers healing prayers the first Thursday of each month at 6:30 p.m. 

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. Bishop Johnson visits Saint Andrew’s annually to lay hands on new confirmands. Fr. Rene will offer an inquirer’s class for all who desire to be confirmed. Please contact Fr. Rene or the church office if you have any questions. 

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. Please contact Fr. Jeff or Fr. Rene if you would like to schedule a time for confession. 

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 click here to see our Wedding Guidelines. 

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.

Other Services - The Burial of the Dead - The death of a member of the Church should be reported as soon as possible to, and arrangements for the funeral should be made in consultation with, the Minister of the Congregation. You may download a Funeral Arrangement form to complete and return to the church office.