What is a Sacrament?

A sacrament is defined as "an outward and physical sign of an inward and spiritual grace." This means that a sacrament is when a specific physical, tangible thing such as water, oil, or bread and wine becomes a sign or symbol of God's grace and love in our lives. We don't always see or perceive this work of love and grace that God is doing in our lives, but the sacraments, using tangible things that we can perceive, help us to know of God's presence in our lives and to better understand and respond to God's infinite love and grace.

The Episcopal Church has seven sacraments: the two sacraments of the Gospel are baptism and communion or Eucharist; and the five sacramental rites of confirmation, confession, marriage, ordination, and unction or "anointing with oil." We believe that these seven sacraments are particularly effective as signs of God's love and grace in our lives, especially within the context and relationships of the community of worship, the Church. For this reason, these particular sacramental rites have been handed down in the traditions of the Church for generations.

Church of the Good Shepherd

February 08, 2010

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