A sacrament is a rite in which God is uniquely active. We believe it is “a visible sign of an invisible reality or inward grace.” We believe that a sacrament conveys divine grace, blessing, or sanctity upon the believer who participates in it.

In the Episcopal Church we accept seven sacraments:

Baptism: our full initiation by water and the Holy Spirit into Christ’s Body, the Church.

The Eucharist, Mass, or Holy Communion: Christ comes to us bringing good news of God’s grace. He has inaugurated for us a sacred meal; he summons us to have communion with him through hearing and responding to Holy Scripture and by sharing consecrated bread and wine.

Confirmation: We make an adult profession of faith by publicly taking on our baptismal covenant and receiving the laying on of hands by the bishop.

Holy Orders or Ordination: the public commissioning of persons for the ministries of deacon, priest, or bishop.

Reconciliation of a Penitent: one-on-one confession to and pronouncement of absolution by a priest.

Anointing: No longer reserved only for the time of death, anointing with oil is also part of every healing service.

Matrimony: a solemn and public covenant between a man and a woman in the presence of God. In the Episcopal Church at least one of the parties must be a baptized Christian.