Holy Baptism

Holy Baptism is the Sacrament “by which God adopts us as his children and makes us members of Christ's Body, the Church, and inheritors of the kingdom of God.” In Baptism, we receive “union with Christ in his death and resurrection, birth into God's family the Church, forgiveness of sins, and new life in the Holy Spirit.” (BCP, 858)

Baptism is especially appropriate at the Easter Vigil, the Day of Pentecost, All Saints' Day or the Sunday after All Saints' Day, and the Feast of the Baptism of our Lord, but may be scheduled at other times. If you have not been baptised, and you would like to pursue Holy Baptism, please contact the church office to speak with the priest.

Holy Eucharist, or Holy Mass

“The Holy Eucharist is called the Lord's Supper, and Holy Communion; it is also known as the Divine Liturgy, the Mass, and the Great Offering.” (The Book of Common Prayer, 859) It is “the Body and Blood of Christ given to his people, and received by faith.” (BCP, 859) In Holy Mass, we receive “the forgiveness of our sins, the strengthening of our union with Christ and one another, and the foretaste of the heavenly banquet which is our nourishment in eternal life.” (BCP, 859-860). The Eucharist is “the Church's sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving,” and it “is the way by which the sacrifice of Christ is made present,” and it is the way that “He unites us to his one offering of himself.” (BCP, 859)

At the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, or Holy Eucharist, it is required that “we should examine our lives, repent of our sins, and be in love and charity with all people.” (BCP, 860) Holy Eucharist presupposes Holy Baptism. Holy Baptism always comes before Holy Eucharist in order that we may open ourselves to all the graces that we receive from Holy Mass. Holy Baptism and Holy Eucharist are the two “Dominical” sacraments, or the two sacraments instituted by Jesus himself.

Confirmation

“Now when the apostles at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them. The two went down and prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit (for as yet the Spirit had not come upon any of them; they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus). Then Peter and John laid their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 8:14-17).

Confirmation is the rite in which we express a mature commitment to Christ, and receive strength from the Holy Spirit through prayer and the laying on of hands by a bishop. (BCP, 860). If you are interested in the Sacrament of Confirmation, please speak to the priest.

Marriage

Holy Matrimony, or Marriage, involves a lifetime commitment between a couple in which they “make their vows before God and the Church, and receive the grace and blessing of God to help them fulfil their vows.” (BCP, 861)

Any couple interested in a wedding at the Church of Our Saviour should first contact the priest for a meeting. Here is the parish wedding customary. The Marriage Rite is on pages 422-438 of the Book of Common Prayer.

Confession/Reconciliation

Confession, or Reconciliation of a Penitent, is not required in the Episcopal Church. The common maxim in the Episcopal Church regarding Confession is, “All may, none must, some should.” It is a rite “in which those who repent of their sins may confess them to God in the presence of a priest, and receive the assurance of pardon and the grace of absolution.” (BCP, 861)

Face-to-face confession is available by appointment. The Church of Our Saviour also has the only confessional in the diocese. A confessional, or confession booth, allows the penitent privacy and anonymity, as well as a focused, quiet, and reverent space. Confessions are currently heard in the confessional on Thursdays from 5:45-6:45 pm. The two options for the rite are on 446-452 of the Book of Common Prayer.

Ministration to the Sick
(Anointing, or Unction)

The Anointing of the Sick is also called Unction or Ministration to the Sick. It is when a priest lays on hands and anoints the person who is ill with sacred oil (BCP, 453-461 and 861). If you are interested in this sacrament, please contact the priest.

Ordination, or Holy Orders

“Ordination is the rite in which God gives authority and the grace of the Holy Spirit to those being made bishops, priests, and deacons, through prayer and the laying on of hands by bishops.” (BCP, 860-861)

Ordinations of deacons and priests are held in the Diocese of Atlanta at regular intervals. If you are interested in discerning a call to Holy Orders, the first thing you should do is speak to the priest.