Worship2

Additionally we observe several Sacramental Rights. These, instituted by the early Church, are offered to all, though not required by any:

Confirmation
It has become common in the Episcopal Church for Confirmation to be an affirmation of the Baptismal Covenant by adults in the presence of the whole Universal Church, and so in the Episcopal Church in CT, usually for those 14 years of age or older. Confirmation is an acknowledgment by a mature Christian that they are prepared to live a life of service to Jesus Christ. Instruction classes are required prior to Confirmation, which usually takes place at Easter or Spring by the laying on of hands by a bishop visiting the Northwest Region in CT, or at Christ Church Cathedral in Hartford.

Ordination
A sacramental rite of the church by which God gives authority and the grace of the Holy Spirit through prayer and the laying on of hands by bishops to those being made bishops, priests, and deacons (BCP, pp. 860-861). The three distinct orders of bishops, priests, and deacons have been characteristic of Christ’s holy catholic church. Bishops carry on the apostolic work of leading, supervising, and uniting the church. Presbyters (often known as priests) are associated with bishops in the ministry of church governance, along with the church’s ministry of missionary and pastoral work, in preaching of the Word of God, and in the administration of the sacraments. Deacons assist bishops and priests in all of this work, and have special responsibility to minister in Christ’s name to the poor, the sick, the suffering, and the helpless (BCP, p. 510). A person perceiving a call to ordination should converse with an ordained member of the clergy to discuss a more formalized discernment process. (episcopalchurch.org)

Marriage
Christian Marriage is a solemn and public covenant between two people. The canons of the Episcopal Church require that at least one of these people be a baptized Christian, that the covenant be attested by at least two witnesses, and that the marriage be consonant with both the laws of the State of CT as well as the canons of the Episcopal Church. Thus, counseling with a member of the clergy before the marriage can take place is required. Divorced persons may remarry in the Church if the canonical conditions can be satisfied, and such couples should allow ample time for this to take place. The ceremony follows the Marriage Office from the Book of Common Prayer, in accordance with the authorized liturgies of the Church and normally includes a celebration of Holy Eucharist.

Reconciliation
Reconciliation of the Penitent, also known as Penance or Confession, is a rite in which those who repent of their sins may confess them to God in the presence of a priest, receive counseling, and receive the assurance of pardon and the grace of absolution. Reconciliation or Confession can be scheduled by appointment with our priest.

Last Rites/Unction
Sacramental ministry to a dying Christian, which may include confession and absolution, laying on of hands, anointing (extreme unction), and communion. The dying received communion as viaticum, or sustenance for a journey, in accordance with ancient custom.

There are a variety of opportunities for worship and celebrating God's presence among us. In the Episcopal tradition we hold that there are two Sacraments, instituted by Jesus Christ in which we participate with regularity.We believe that all Christians are called to partake of these Sacraments.

Holy Eucharist
This is often referred to as The Lord's Supper and is offered during most public services in our church. The Eucharist, in Greek 'Thanksgiving,' is our great Sacrament of Redemption by Christ's death and Resurrection -- the Bread which we break is a partaking of the Body of Christ and likewise the Cup we share is a partaking of the Blood of Christ, thus, all Baptized people may share in the Communion. It is a sign of unit and love that Christians ought to have among themselves and others.

Baptism
Another of our chief Sacraments is Baptism, by which God adopts us as his children and makes us full members of Christ's Body, the Church. Baptism is appropriately administered with the Eucharist as the chief service on Sunday (Book of Common Prayer (BCP), p. 298). Both children and adults may be baptized in out tradition and in our parish. Baptism usually takes place at our principle Eucharistic celebration at 10 a.m. on a Sunday. Arrangements for Baptisms should be made well in advance by contacting the clergy, as baptismal counseling on accordance with our Church canons should be anticipated.

Additional services are held as appropriate. These may be for the purpose of commemorating life events, commissioning lay ministers, providing healing prayer, and more. These services include

Funerals and Memorial Services
Normally, Baptized Christians are properly buried with a service conducted in the church at a time when members of the community and family have an opportunity to be present. the service is conducted in accordance with the Burial Office in the Book of Common Prayer. Family members should inform the clergy as soon as death occurs, so arrangements for the funeral/ memorial service can be made, including the date and time, with the minister who will officiate. The service may include the presence of a closed casket or cremated remains at the service. At St. Mark's Church, the only customary fee for this service would be to pay for the organist.

St Michael & All Angels-09/26/21.m4a
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Morning Prayer- Proper 19B-9/12/2021.pdf
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