What is a sacrament?
The word sacrament is based on the Latin word sacramentum, which means “something sacred.” In the early church sacramentum came to stand for many things sacred, including rites that had a hidden meaning. During the Reformation, using Scripture as a guide, the reformers limited the number of sacraments to two: baptism and the Lord’s Supper. These sacraments, instituted by Christ, are a means of grace within our faith community. They are visible signs and seals of something internal and invisible and the means by which God works in us through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Episcopalians take part in certain regular acts of worship called sacraments, in which we realize the mystery of Christ’s presence and his divine love through the use of common, earthly substances (such as bread, wine, water, oil). The two principle sacraments for Episcopalians are Baptism and Holy Communion. The other five sacraments in which we share are Confirmation (the mature affirmation of one’s faith), Ordination to Holy Orders, Marriage, Reconciliation, and Anointing of the Sick. Sacraments are often called “outward and visible signs of an inward and spiritual grace.” This reflects the Christian understanding that through the sacraments, which are freely given to us by God, our sins are forgiven, our minds are enlightened, our hearts stirred and our wills strengthened.
