Our Anglican tradition recognizes sacraments as “outward and visible signs of inward and spiritual grace.”  Holy Baptism and the Eucharist (or Holy Communion) are the two great sacraments given by Christ to his Church.  Below are four of the seven sacraments most commonly practiced at the Church of Holy Apostles.

Baptism

This is full initiation by water and the Holy Spirit into Christ's Body, the church. God establishes an indissoluble bond with each person in baptism. God adopts us, making us members of the church and inheritors of the Kingdom of God. In baptism we are made sharers in the new life of the Holy Spirit and the forgiveness of sins. Baptism is the foundation for all future church participation and ministry. Each candidate for baptism in the Episcopal Church is to be sponsored by one or more baptized persons.

Confirmation

The sacramental rite in which the candidates "express a mature commitment to Christ, and receive strength from the Holy Spirit through prayer and the laying on of hands by a bishop".   Adults baptized with the laying on of hands by a bishop are considered to be confirmed.

Holy Eucharist (Communion)

The Eucharist is the sacrament of Christ's body and blood, and the principal act of Christian worship. The term is from the Greek, "thanksgiving." Jesus instituted the eucharist "on the night when he was betrayed." At the Last Supper he shared the bread and cup of wine at a sacred meal with his disciples. He identified the bread with his body and the wine with his blood of the new covenant. Jesus commanded his disciples to "do this" in remembrance of him. Christ's sacrifice is made present by the eucharist, and in it we are united to his one self-offering.

Celebration and Blessing of Marriage

Marriage is a solemn public covenant between two persons in the presence of God. At least one of the couple must be a baptized Christian. Prior to the marriage, the couple sign a declaration of intention. It states that they hold marriage to be a lifelong union; that they believe this union in heart, body, and mind is intended by God for their mutual joy, for help and comfort given one another in prosperity and adversity, and for the procreation (when it is God's will) of children and their Christian nurture.