Sacraments
Baptism
The sacrament of baptism is the sign of new life in Christ. In baptism we are united with Christ and welcomed into Christ's community. At St. Thomas' baptism takes place during the Sunday Eucharist.
Persons wishing to have a child baptized or wish to be baptized themselves are urged to speak with the Rector well in advance of the planned baptism to arrange the details.
Eucharist
The sacrament of the Holy Eucharist was instituted by Christ. It is the principle act of worship on a Sunday morning in the majority of Christian churches around the world. The word Eucharist means “Thanksgiving”. It is also called Holy Communion, the Lord's Supper, the Divine Liturgy, the Blessed Sacrament, and in the Roman Catholic Church, the Mass. In addition to the celebration on Sunday morning, the Eucharist may be celebrated on other Holy Days, at weddings, funerals, etc.
Paul wrote, “The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a sharing in the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is it not a sharing in the body of Christ?”. In the Eucharist we are united with God and our fellow believers.
At St. Thomas' all baptized Christians are welcome to receive communion. Those who do not wish to drink from the cup are asked to remain at the altar rail with their arms crossed until others have drunk from the cup.
Note: In the past some communicants received the bread in their hands until the cup was presented and then dipped the bread into the wine. That practice was called intinction. It is no longer allowed due to concerns about infection.
Paul wrote, “The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a sharing in the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is it not a sharing in the body of Christ?”. In the Eucharist we are united with God and our fellow believers.
At St. Thomas' all baptized Christians are welcome to receive communion. Those who do not wish to drink from the cup are asked to remain at the altar rail with their arms crossed until others have drunk from the cup.
Note: In the past some communicants received the bread in their hands until the cup was presented and then dipped the bread into the wine. That practice was called intinction. It is no longer allowed due to concerns about infection.
Confirmation
Confirmation marks the point in the Christian journey at which you affirm for yourself the faith into which you have been baptized, and your intention to live a life of committed discipleship. This affirmation is confirmed through prayer and the laying on of hands by the confirming bishop. The Church also asks God to give you power through the Holy Spirit to enable you to live in the way of Jesus.
Confirmation takes place during a Sunday service. Candidates for Confirmation are people who were baptized as infants or children. Their parents, and godparents or sponsors made professions of Christian faith on their behalf and promised to help them grow into adult Christians. Preparation for Confirmation involves classes in which the Christian faith is explored and taught, and the candidate decides to affirm his or her own personal faith in Christ.
Persons wishing to discuss Confirmation should contact the Rector or the Church office.
Confirmation takes place during a Sunday service. Candidates for Confirmation are people who were baptized as infants or children. Their parents, and godparents or sponsors made professions of Christian faith on their behalf and promised to help them grow into adult Christians. Preparation for Confirmation involves classes in which the Christian faith is explored and taught, and the candidate decides to affirm his or her own personal faith in Christ.
Persons wishing to discuss Confirmation should contact the Rector or the Church office.
Marriage
We are delighted that you are interested in being married at St. Thomas'
Christian marriage is a lifelong commitment to one another and to Christ and we want to support you as you prepare for it. Christian marriage is not simply about asking for God’s blessing and protection on your happiness. It is a commitment to make your marriage a gift to God – a sacrament to this broken world and a sign of God’s love for the world. That idea is both challenging and inspiring.
To be married at St. Thomas', at least one of you must be baptized. We expect that you will participate in a marriage preparation course and we will ask those who witness your vows to do all in their power to support and encourage you in your marriage.
If you are interested in more information on being married at St. Thomas', please contact the Rector or the Church office.
Christian marriage is a lifelong commitment to one another and to Christ and we want to support you as you prepare for it. Christian marriage is not simply about asking for God’s blessing and protection on your happiness. It is a commitment to make your marriage a gift to God – a sacrament to this broken world and a sign of God’s love for the world. That idea is both challenging and inspiring.
To be married at St. Thomas', at least one of you must be baptized. We expect that you will participate in a marriage preparation course and we will ask those who witness your vows to do all in their power to support and encourage you in your marriage.
If you are interested in more information on being married at St. Thomas', please contact the Rector or the Church office.