What We Believe About Sacraments

A sacrament is an outward and visible sign of an inward and spiritual grace, given by Christ as sure and certain means by which we receive that grace. At Holy Cross Anglican Church we believe in (and practice) the two sacraments ordained by Christ Himself in the New Testament: Baptism and Eucharist (communion or the Lord's Supper). The sacraments are celebrated with the unfailing use of the words of our Lord Himself and the elements ordained by Him.

Holy Baptism is the sacrament by which we are made children of God and members of the Body of Christ. We are united with Christ in His death and Resurrection, forgiven of our sins, and given new life in the Holy Spirit. We believe that all persons, infants included, need God's grace, and so we practice infant baptism. People may be baptized by immersion, by pouring, or by sprinkling.

Holy Eucharist is the sacrament commanded by Christ for the continual remembrance of His life, death, and resurrection, until His coming again. It is celebrated always with bread and wine, as Christ Himself did, and strengthens our union with Christ, forgives our sins, unites us with one another, and gives us a foretaste of the Kingdom of God.

Other sacramental acts, not necessary for salvation, include confirmation, marriage, ordination, confession, and anointing.