Our Liturgy
The Book of Common Prayer contains our liturgy and expresses our doctrine. “The Book of Common Prayer is a treasure chest full of devotional and teaching resources for individuals and congregations, but it is also the primary symbol of our unity. We, who are many and diverse, come together in Christ through our worship, our common prayer.” (www.episcopalchurch.org)
Our Sacraments
We celebrate Holy Baptism and the Eucharist as the two main Sacraments of the Church. The Holy Eucharist is celebrated during our weekly Sunday worship service. During that service, we proclaim the Gospel both by Word and Sacrament. Preaching and the Eucharist are central to our worship service. In addition, we also offer the sacramental rites of confirmation, marriage, reconciliation (confession), unction (healing), and ordination.
The Clergy: The Episcopal Church has deacons, priests, bishops who are ordained in apostolic succession and who derive their spiritual authority through the historic church. Clergy can be married, and women can be ordained.
The Holy Eucharist (Holy Communion): All baptized Christians, regardless of age or church affiliation, are welcome to receive Holy Communion.
Holy Baptism: Holy Baptism is full initiation by water and the Holy Spirit into Christ’s Body the Church. The bond which God establishes in Baptism is indissoluble. Each candidate for Baptism is to be sponsored by one or more baptized persons.
Parents and godparents with an infant or child baptism are to be instructed: in the meaning of Baptism; in their duties to help the new Christians grow in the knowledge and love of God; and in their responsibilities as members of his Church. To learn more: http://stmaryanne.org/baptism-procedures/
The Celebration and Blessing of a Marriage: Christian marriage is a solemn and public covenant between the couple and God. In the Episcopal Church it is required that one, at least, of the parties be a baptized Christian; that the ceremony be attested by two witnesses; and that the marriage conform to the laws of the State and the canons of this Church. To learn more: http://www.stmaryanne.org/st-mary-annes-wedding-policies/
Funerals and Burials:The death of a member of the Church should be reported as soon as possible to the priest. Funeral arrangements should be coordinated between the funeral director, priest, and the family. Baptized Christians are properly buried from the church, and the service should be held at a time when the congregation has the opportunity to be present. To learn more: http://www.stmaryanne.org/funerals/
