The
Sacraments of the Church
All
of the sacrament and Pastoral Offices are more fully described in the Book
of Common Prayer. (BCP)
Holy Eucharist
Holy Communion is open to all baptized Christians
who receive the sacrament in their own churches.
The Celebration and Blessing of Marriage
The Sacrament of Marriage (Holy Matrimony) is a
solemn public covenant between a man and a woman in the presence of God. At
the Church of the Heavenly Rest at least one of the parties is expected to
be a baptized/confirmed member and/or the son/daughter or
grandson/granddaughter of a baptized member in good standing. Marriages
should be scheduled at least six months in advance and minimum of six hours
of premarital counseling is required. If a person has been previously
married, the Bishop of the Diocese must grant permission but in no event can
the actual ceremony take place before a year has elapsed from when the
divorce decree became final.
Reconciliation of a Penitent
The Ministry of reconciliation in the Episcopal
Church is exercised through the care each Christian has for others, through
the common prayer of Christians assembled for public worship and through the
Sacrament of Reconciliation of a Penitent (often called Confession and
Penance). The Sacrament can be scheduled at any time with a priest and is
strictly a voluntary request on the part of a penitent.
Ministry to the Sick
In case of illness or injury, please notify the
parish office as soon as possible. Clergy and Lay Eucharistic Ministers set
a time to visit and/or bring Holy Communion as is appropriate.
Holy Baptism
Holy Baptism is full initiation by water and the
Holy Spirit into Christ's body, the church. It is administered for children
or adults within the context of the Eucharist as the chief service on a
Sunday or other major feast. It is especially appropriate at the Easter
Vigil; Day of Pentecost; All Saints Day; and the Feast of Baptism of our
Lord. Each candidate is to be sponsored by one or more baptized persons.
Instruction in the meaning of Baptism and living the Christian life is
required for all adult candidates and parents/godparents of children
candidates. Please contact the parish office if you have a candidate for
Holy Baptism.
Healing
The anointing with Holy Oil and the Laying on of
Hands is an ancient tradition derived from Jesus' healing ministry and the
commission of the apostles who anointed and healed in the power of Jesus'
name. On Wednesday evenings at 5:30 p.m. in the Chapel, a service of Healing
and Holy Eucharist is held. Anointing with prayer for the sick can also be
requested at any time from a priest.
Christian Burial
Members of the church are properly buried from the
church. A member of the clergy should be contacted as soon as possible after
a death has occurred. Although, burial is not a sacrament in the Episcopal
Church, we offer a Holy time to pay respects to the deceased.
