“Sacraments are outward and visible signs of inward and spiritual grace, given by Christ as sure and certain means by which we receive grace” (The Book of Common Prayer (BCP), p. 857).
Sacraments are the “bridges” between the earthly and the Divine that make God’s presence tangible to us. God is, of course, always present with us, but the Sacraments allow us to experience that presence with our senses.
The principal sacraments of the Church are Holy Baptism and Holy Eucharist (also called The Last Supper, The Lord’s Supper, Holy Communion and by other names in other denominations.) Baptism and Eucharist are the central part of worship in the Episcopal Church. The Church teaches there is one Baptism, by water and Holy Spirit, and Eucharist is celebrated as the “principal act of Christian worship on the Lord’s Day and other major Feasts.” It, along with Daily Morning and Evening Prayer are “the regular services appointed for public worship in this Church” (BCP, p. 13)
Holy Baptism is a major part of the life of the Church and of this parish and is a part of its public worship. In accordance with the Prayer Book, we try to have Baptisms on one of the four Baptismal Feast Days (The Feast of the Baptism of our Lord, the Great Vigil at Easter, Pentecost, or All Saints’ Day.) For pastoral reasons, we may schedule one on another Sunday if needed.
Holy Eucharist, the liturgy in which Christ makes His Body and Blood available to us in the forms of the bread and wine offered and blessed, is celebrated at Manakin every Sunday at out 8:00 a.m. and most Sundays at our 10:00 a.m. service. It is also celebrated on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of each month at 6:00 p.m. The Wednesday liturgies also include Holy Unction, the healing sacrament of the Church, in the form of laying on of hands and prayers for healing for ourselves and others. (Unction is also available at other times, especially in pastoral visits.)
The other Sacraments of the Church are available at various times as need arises.
Information on Holy Baptism and the other Sacraments can be obtained by calling the Church Office or speaking to the Rector.
A Wedding Customary which outlines the practices of the Parish in regards to Holy Matrimony is available from the Church Office.
For more information about the Sacraments, please contact the church office.