SACRAMENTAL RITES
Holy Eucharist
Holy Eucharist (from the Greek eucharistia, which translates to ‘thanksgiving’) is the principal act of worship in the Episcopal Church. Depending on tradition, Holy Eucharist can go by several names: Holy Communion, the Lord’s Supper, the Divine Liturgy, the Great Offertory, or the Mass. Regardless of the name we use for it, when celebrating the Eucharist the church gathers to hear the Word of God, to pray and confess (both our faith and our falling short), to great one another in the name of God, and then to offer gifts of bread and wine that are blessed by a priest and shared among those gathered in Christ’s name. Because we believe that Christ is indeed present “when two or three gather in his name,” in faithfully receiving the Sacrament of Holy Eucharist we are drawn closer to God (and to one another), granted the forgiveness of sin, and nourished for bearing witness to God’s love in the world.
At St. David’s, the sacrament of Holy Eucharist is shared among the baptized and all who feel called to “walk in love as Christ loved us.”
https://www.episcopalchurch.org/glossary/eucharist/
Holy Baptism
Holy Baptism is the sacramental rite of full initiation by water and the Holy Spirit into Christ’s Body, the church. The liturgy is an outward sign celebrating the invisible gift of God’s grace, the forgiveness of sin, and the power of the Holy Spirit. Through the waters of Holy Baptism we are “marked as Christ’s own forever.” Regardless of age, Holy Baptism marks the beginning of a lifelong commitment in faith.
Adult candidates, parents of infants, grandparents or other sponsors of children to be baptized should make an appointment to discuss baptism with The Rev. Jim Quigley.
https://www.episcopalchurch.org/glossary/baptism/
Confirmation
Confirmation is the sacramental rite in which the baptized candidates express a mature commitment to Christ in the power the Holy Spirit through the laying on of hands by a Bishop (adults baptized by a Bishop are considered to be Confirmed). Our hope is that all who have been baptized are one day Confirmed. Preparatory classes for Confirmation are conducted each fall at St. David’s, and all Confirmation services take place at the Washington National Cathedral. Every service of Confirmation offers a blessing from a Bishop for those already confirmed in another tradition but who want to be formally affiliated with the Episcopal Church, as well blessings for those who have already been confirmed in the church and want to renew their commitment to faith.
To learn more or to enroll, contact The Rev. Jim Quigley.
https://www.episcopalchurch.org/glossary/confirmation/
Weddings
Marriage is the sacramental rite of the church in which two persons enter a life-long union, making vows before God and the Church, and receive the grace and blessing of God to help them fulfill their vows. The union is understood to be intended by God for their mutual joy; for the help and comfort given one another in prosperity and adversity; and, when it is God’s will, for the procreation of children and their nurture in the knowledge and love of the Lord. Marriage at St. David’s is open to parishioners, children of parishioners, and those who are in the process of becoming parishioners.
Exceptions to this rule are made when at least one of the persons’ seeking the blessing is an active member of another Episcopal congregation. All marriages at St. David’s are celebrated with joy and dignity and include the celebration of marriages between two persons of the same sex.