Growing in Faith
Baptism
We offer Holy Baptism for all ages at several times during the year. To welcome new Christians into our Circle of Grace is a great privilege. We pray that they are given an inquiring and discerning heart, the courage to will and to persevere, a spirit to know and love God, and the gift of joy and wonder in all God’s works.
Confirmation, Reception, Reaffirmation
At Grace, this sacramental rite, in which the candidates express a mature commitment to Christ, and receive strength from the Holy Spirit through prayer and the laying on of hands by a bishop, is a journey. What does it mean to make those promises that others made for you at your baptism? How does your faith grow with you? For more about Confirmation/Reception/Reaffirmation, contact Fr. Tom.
Healing and Anointing
The Anointing of the Sick is the sacrament given to seriously ill Christians. The special grace of this act is a healing that offers wholeness and peace to the ailing person. The sacrament consists of the anointing of the forehead and hands of the person with blessed oil, with the priest saying, "Through this holy anointing may the Lord in his love and mercy help you with the grace of the Holy Spirit. May the Lord who frees you from sin save you and raise you up."
Holy Communion
At Grace, we practice open communion, which means that anyone may receive. We are led by the Iona Invitation that states:
"This is the table, not of the church, but of Jesus Christ. It is made ready for those who love him and who want to love him more. So come, you have much faith, and you who have little. You who have been here often and you who have not been for a long time or ever before, you who have tried to follow, and you who have failed. Come, not because the church invites you. It is Christ, and he invites you to meet him here."*
* Iona Abbey Worship Book
(Wild Goose Publications: 2001)
Marriage
Weddings are a wonderful time for couples at Grace! How exciting to join two people together as a new family! At Grace, we know that you want your wedding to reflect the unique gifts of God in both of you. We are happy to help you plan your celebration of God’s love in your life and prepare you for beginning a new life together.
Reconciliation
Our most common form of confession takes place during our regular Sunday services as we all pray for forgiveness together. We also offer private confession with a priest by request. We do not require it. An old Anglican saying captures it well: “All may, none must, but some should.” For many, the sacrament of Reconciliation is the “balm of Gilead” that “heals the sin sick soul.”
