Sacraments are an important part of the faith and worship life in the Episcopal Church and at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral. The seven sacraments are Holy Baptism, The Holy Eucharist, Confirmation, Marriage, Confession, Anointing and Ordination.
- Holy Baptism is offered five times each year: on the Feast of the Baptism (early January), the Easter Vigil (springtime), Pentecost (early summer), the Sunday after All Saints’ Day (early November) and on the occasion of the Bishop’s visitation. Baptismal instruction/preparation is required.
- The Holy Eucharist is offered to all baptized Christians who repent of their sins and seek to be in love and charity with their neighbors.
- Confirmation is available annually for those who complete a course of preparation, make a public affirmation of their faith and wish to receive the laying on of hands by the bishop.
- Marriage is the sacramental rite of the church in which two persons “enter into a life-long union, makes their vows before God and the Church, and receive the grace and blessing of God to help them fulfill their vows”. In the Episcopal Church it is required that at least one of the parties be a baptized Christian, that the ceremony be attested by at least two witnesses, and that the marriage conform to the laws of the state and the canons of the church. The member of the clergy who will solemnize the marriage typically meets with the couple on several occasions prior to the service to discuss the meaning of Christian marriage in the couple’s life.
- Confession of sin to God in the presence of a priest may be scheduled by appointment with the clergy.
- Anointing of the sick for healing is offered every Sunday during the 10:00 service by members of the International Order of St. Luke. Appointments can also be arranged to meet people at their place of residence.
- Ordination to service as a bishop, priest or deacon requires discernment, preparation and affirmation by the wider Church. Lay persons too are ministers by virtue of their baptism and giftedness.
