By tradition, Anglicanism understands sacraments as “outward and visible signs of inward and spiritual grace.” Holy Baptism and the Eucharist (or Holy Communion), in particular, are considered the two great sacraments, because they were given by Christ to his Church.
Baptism
“Holy Baptism is full initiation by water and the Holy Spirit into Christ’s Body, the Church” (The Book of Common Prayer, p. 298).
The sacrament of Holy Baptism is one of initiation, union, forgiveness, and rebirth. In baptism we become members of the Christian faith as we are joined with Christ in His death and resurrection.
Baptism is appropriate for both adults who feel called and children whose parents desire it. While adults answer for themselves and speak their own vows, parents and sponsors, or godparents, make baptismal promises on behalf of little children.
Everyone who is baptized is sponsored by a baptized Christian. The godparents present those seeking the sacrament and affirm that they will “be responsible for seeing that the child (they) present is brought up in the Christian faith and life.” Furthermore, godparents pledge to pray for their godchildren and set a godly example for them. Lastly, godparents take the baptismal vows on behalf of small children.
At St. Paul’s, we traditionally hold baptisms on four Sundays during the year: In January (the Baptism of Jesus), in the spring (Easter), in early summer (Pentecost), and in November (All Saints’).
Requirements
Like all of the sacraments, baptism is an expression of the community as a whole, which is done in response to God’s grace. We therefore require that anyone wishing to participate in the sacrament of baptism be a regularly attending and pledging member of the worshiping community for at least one year. Being part of the community fosters important connections with the clergy and other members of the parish, and, by the grace of God, ensures that those being baptized will be able to deepen and strengthen their relationship with God at St. Paul’s over many years.
If you are interested in baptism, please feel free to contact the parish office at your earliest convenience.
The Eucharist
Holy Eucharist (also known “Communion” or “The Mass”) is the sacrament of Christ’s body and blood, and the principal act of Christian worship. It was instituted by Jesus on the night he was betrayed.
At the Last Supper, Jesus shared bread and wine with his disciples, and he commanded them to do the same in remembrance of him. Christ’s sacrifice upon the cross is thus made real by the Eucharist, and in it we are united by faith to his one self-offering. Christ’s presence is also made real in the gathered eucharistic community, the Body of Christ.
At St. Paul’s and in The Episcopal Church, all baptized Christians are welcome to receive communion, regardless of denominational affiliation. We are happy to provide gluten-free wafers upon request. Those who wish to receive a blessing instead are welcome to come forward during communion and to place their arms over their chest.
Communion Class
In the Episcopal Church, we believe that because baptism is our full initiation into Christ’s Body, the Church, baptism opens the door for disciples of all ages to receive communion. To help prepare children to receive communion in a meaningful way, though, we do offer a class that covers the significance of the Eucharist and its role in our journey of faith.
In this course, children have the opportunity to explore the sanctuary as they journey from the font to the table. This allows children, youth, and their families to take a closer look at what takes place in the context of a worship service, to ask spirit-filled questions, and to build a deeper relationship with God and one another before receiving communion for the first time.
We encourage all children and youth to experience our communion class as part of their growing in Christian maturity and discipleship.
To inquire regarding the above sacraments, contact the Parish Office at parishoffice@stpaulswestfield.org.
For information on Confirmation, Marriage and Funerals, please visit our Sacramental Rites page.
