Christ the King Episcopal Church
Lakeland, Florida
SACRAMENTS
"The sacraments are outward and visible signs of inward and spiritual grace, given by Christ as sure and certain means by which we receive that grace."
(The Catechism)
We believe that God has promised to humanity that they would have access to divine grace, the gift of God's blessing that delivers us from sin, strengthens us to do good work, and leads us deeper into the life of faith. Of course, God's grace flows into the world in myriad ways, and we don't limit how God works in our lives or the world. Nevertheless, The Episcopal Church trusts that God's grace is particularly assured in the sacraments of the Church. Most simply, Sacraments are outward and visible signs of inward and spiritual grace - that is, God's favor towards us.
While Episcopalians hold a range of views in their understanding of the sacraments, our ancient "Western" church heritage (from which Anglicanism arises) holds to seven formal sacraments. Holy Baptism and Holy Eucharist are the two sacraments instituted by Christ and given to the Church. Confirmation, Matrimony, Orders, Reconciliation of the Penitent, and Anointing of the Sick are five sacramental rites practiced by the early Church to mark the spiritual journey.
Holy Baptism
Holy Baptism is the sacrament by which a person is adopted as a member of the household of God and made a member of the Body of Christ, the Church. Baptism occurs by full submersion in or by the pouring over of water in the name of the Father and the Son and Holy Spirit (outward and visible) as a sign of union with Christ (inward and spiritual grace).
Baptisms can be scheduled most Sundays (except during Lent) in consultation with the priest.
Please contact the Rev. Robert Moses or call the church office.
Holy Baptism is full initiation by water and the Holy Spirit into Christ's Body the Church.
(The Book of Common Prayer)
The inward and spiritual grace in the Holy Communion is the Body and Blood of Christ given to his people, and received by faith.
(The Book of Common Prayer)
Holy Eucharist
Holy Eucharist is the sacrament mandated by Christ during his last meal with the disciples as a continual remembrance of his life, death, and resurrection, until his coming again. During Holy Eucharist, the bread and wine which are offered according to Christ's command (outward and visible) are made into the body and blood of Christ and given to the people (inward and spiritual grace). In the Episcopal Church, we firmly believe in the Real Presence of Christ (body, blood, soul, and divinity) in the Holy Eucharist.
Confirmation
Confirmation is the sacrament in which a person expresses a mature commitment to Christ before the bishop who lays hands on their heads and anoints them with the sacred oil of Chrism (outward and visible) as a sign of being sealed in the Holy Spirit (inward and spiritual grace).
If you want to be confirmed, please contact the Rev. Robert Moses or call the church office. If you were confirmed in another church with bishops in apostolic succession we recognized your confirmation. You are invited to participate in preparation to be Received (Reception) or to make a Reaffirmation of Faith.
Strengthen, O Lord, your servant with your Holy Spirit; empower them for your service; and sustain them all the days of his their. Amen.
(The Book of Common Prayer)
Holy Matrimony
Holy Matrimony is Christian marriage in which two persons make vows before God and the Church (outward and visible) as a sign of the assurance of divine blessing and fortitude (inward and spiritual grace) represented in the marriage of Christ and the Church.
Weddings can be scheduled at Christ the King in consultation with the priest. At least three sessions of counseling are required with the priest (or other designated professional) before being married in the Episcopal Church.
Holy Orders
Holy Orders is the sacrament of ordination conferring authority on those being made bishop, priest, or deacon through the laying of hands and anointing with oil (outward and visible) as a sign of the assurance of the guidance of the Holy Spirit (inward and spiritual grace).
Reconciliation of a Penitent
Reconciliation is the sacrament in which a person confesses their sins to a priest who confers absolution (outward and visible) as a sign of the assurance of divine forgiveness (inward and spiritual grace).
The private Reconciliation of a Penitent can be scheduled with the priest, as needed. Services of Reconciliation of a Penitent also occur at special times during the year.
Anointing of the Sick
Anointing the sick is the sacrament in which a sick person is anointed with oil and prayed over with the laying on of hands (outward and visible) as a sign of God's grace given for healing of body, mind, and spirit (inward and spiritual grace).
Anointing of the Sick can be scheduled with the priest, as needed. If you or someone you know is sick, in hospital, or long-term care, and they would like a pastoral visit from the priest, please contact Rev. Robert Moses or call the church office.