† THE SACRAMENTS ¢

The Sacraments are the outward and visible signs of inward and spiritual grace, given by Christ as sure and certain means by which we receive that grace.

Grace is God’s favor towards us, unearned and undeserved; by grace God forgives our sins, enlightens our minds, stirs our hearts, and strengthens our wills.

SACRAMENTSAT ALL HALLOWS

Confirmation

Confirmation is the rite in which we express a mature commitment to Christ, and receive strength from the Holy Spirit through and laying on of hands by a bishop. It is required of those to be confirmed that they have been baptized, are sufficiently instructed in the Christian faith, are penitent for their sins, and are ready to affirm their confession of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.

Members who have been confirmed previously in the Roman Catholic Church, the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America, the Old Catholic Church, and the Eastern Orthodox Churches may receive a formal Reception into the Episcopal Church and the Anglican Communion by a bishop.

Reconciliation

Reconciliation of a Penitent, or Penance, 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.

Members may make a private appointment with a priest directly for the use of this sacrament.

Unction of the Sick

Unction is the rite of anointing the sick with oil, or the laying on of hands, by which God’s grace is given for the healing of body, mind and spirit. Our Pastoral Team works together with our clergy in making sure that our parishioners who need pastoral visits receive proper care.

Holy Orders

The Sacrament of Holy Orders, also known as 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.

In the Episcopal Church, we believe that a vocation to the ordained ministry is both an individual and corporate reality. Therefore, anyone who feels called by God to the ordained ministry should go through a discernment process in community. In the Diocese of Maryland, there is a two-year process to discern a potential call to the ordained ministry. Interested parishioners should make an appointment with the Rector directly, before proceeding with the diocesan process.

ALL HALLOWS PARISH3600 SOLOMONS ISLAND ROAD

EDGEWATER, MD 21037TEL: 410.798.0808

WWW.ALLHALLOWSPARISH.ORG

Holy Matrimony

Holy Matrimony is Christian marriage, in which two persons enter into a life-long union, make their vows before God and the Church, and receive the grace and blessing of God to help them fulfill their vows.

Who may get married at All Hallows’?

Active, pledging parishioners and their children. Requests from non-parishioners are considered on a case by case basis.

How much advance notice do we need to give?

At least six months in advance.

What other requirements are there?

Pre-marital counseling sessions with clergy; Declaration of Intent; Approval by the bishop if it’s not a first marriage.

Eucharist BaptismHoly Eucharist

The Holy Eucharist is the sacrament commanded by Christ for the continual remembrance of his life, death and resurrection, until his coming again.

The Holy Eucharist is also called the Lord’s Supper, Holy Communion, the Mass, the Divine Liturgy, and the Great Offering.

The outward and visible sign in the Eucharist is the bread and wine, given and received according to Christ’s command.

The inward and spiritual grace of the Holy Communion is the Body and Blood of Christ given to his people, received by faith.

We believe in the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist. By that, we mean Christ is present both spiritually and materially in the consecrated elements of his Body and Blood.

All baptized Christians with a clear conscience and in good standing with the Church are encouraged to take Holy Communion. Others may receive a blessing at the Communion Rail.

Holy Baptism

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.

Baptism at All Hallows’:

Who may get baptized?

Adults, teenagers, children, and infant who have not formerly been baptized.

Do I need to be a member?

Actually, you need to be baptized to be a full member of All Hallows. You do need to have the intention of becoming a member in order to seek baptism at this parish.

Occasionally, we baptize members of the extended families of current parishioners, and persons who have historical ties to the parish, but are not currently living in the area.

What other requirements are there?

You need to attend a baptism preparation class. There are two kinds, one for parents preparing to get their infants or young children baptized; another for older children, teenager, and adults who seek baptism.

Do I need a sponsor/godparents?

Yes, infants and children should have two godparents, while adults should have two sponsors. Godparents and sponsors should be Episcopalians preferably, but the basic requirement is that they be baptized Christians in good standing with their churches.