The Gospel Sacraments |
 The Chalice prepared for Holy Communion |
Christ in the Gospel has appointed two sacraments for his Church, as needed by all for fullness of life, Baptism, and Holy Communion
Baptism is the sacrament in which, through the action of the Holy Spirit, we are 'christened'; or made Christ's. The outward and visible sign in Baptism is water in which the person is baptised - In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. The inward and spiritual gift of Baptism is union with Christ in his death and resurrection, the forgiveness of sins, and new birth into God's Family, the Church.
Holy Communion is the sacrament in which, according to Christ's command, we make continual remembrance of him, his passion, death, and resurrection, until his coming again, and in which we thankfully receive the benefits of his sacrifice.
It is, therefore, called the Eucharist, the Church's sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving; and also the Lord's Supper, the meal of fellowship which unites us all to Christ and to the whole Church.
The outward and visible sign in Holy Communion is bread and wine given and received as the Lord commanded. The inward and spiritual gift is the body and Blood of Christ, truly and indeed given by him and received by the faithful.
Receiving the Body and Blood of Christ means receiving the life of Christ himself, who was crucified and rose again, and is now alive for evermore. The benefits we receive are the strengthening of our union with Christ and his Church, the forgiveness of our sins, and the nourishing of ourselves for eternal life.
The Ministries of Grace are Confirmation Holy Matrimony, Ordination, Absolution and Healing
Confirmation is the ministry by which, through prayer with the laying on of hands by the Bishop, the Holy Spirit is received to complete what he began in Baptism, and to give strength for the Christian life.
Holy Matrimony is Christian Marriage, in which the man and the woman, entering into life-long union take their vows before God and seek his grace and blessing to fulfill them.
Ordination is the ministry in which, through prayer with the laying on of hands, our Lord Jesus Christ gives the grace of the Holy Spirit, and authority, to those who are being made bishops, priests, and deacons.
The ministry of Absolution is the ministry by which those who are truly sorry for their sins, and have made free confession of them to God in the presence of the minister, with the intention to amend their lives, receive through him the forgiveness of God.
The sacramental ministry of healing is the ministry by which God's grace is given for the healing of spirit, mind, and body, in response to faith and prayer, by the laying on of hands, or by anointing with oil.