Ceremonies & Sacraments

The Episcopal Church maintains the full sacramental system of the undivided Catholic Church. 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. (BCP 857) 

Holy Baptism

The Sacrament of Holy Baptism is the principal sacrament of initiation in the Christian Church. The outward and visible sign is pouring (or sprinkling or immersion) of water over the unbaptized person in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. The inward and spiritual grace is the giving of the Holy Spirit for the incorporation into the Body of Christ, the forgiveness of sins, adoption into the family of God, and the capacity to receive other sacraments.

Holy Baptism is especially appropriate at the Easter Vigil, on the Day of Pentecost, on All Saints’ Day or the Sunday after All Saints’ Day, and on the Feast of the Baptism of our Lord. (BCP 312)

In the case of infants, sponsors (Godparents) who are practicing, baptized Christians, are expected to be included to assist in raising the child in faith and supporting their instruction. For adults or children who are of an age to speak on their own behalf, baptismal preparation classes are arranged beforehand. Additionally, our Alpha & Omega Ministry works with families to plan a reception for friends and family following a joyous Baptism. 

If you are interested in discussing receiving the sacrament of Holy Baptism, please contact the church office to arrange an appointment with the rector.

Confirmation

In the Sacrament of Confirmation, a baptized Christian makes a mature commitment to the faith and receives a strengthening in the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Confirmation may be repeated. The outward and visible sign is the laying on of hands on a baptized person by a Bishop accompanied by a prayer for the strengthening of the Holy Spirit. The inward and spiritual grace is the reception of the sevenfold gifts of the Holy Spirit, and in a sense ordination to the priesthood of all believers, that is to say the laity.

Confirmation establishes a clear relationship between the baptized Christian and their bishop, holding them to the teaching of the Apostles handed down through generations through the succession of bishops.

Confirmation classes are required by adults and children prior to receiving the sacrament, and as it is administered only by the bishop, it generally only occurs once a year or less regularly depending upon the regularity of the bishop’s visitation schedule.

Confirmation completes the process of Christian initiation, is the means by which someone who has been confirmed in another tradition is received into the Episcopal Church, and is generally expected of all persons aged sixteen or older, once the necessary instruction in the faith has been offered.

Please contact the parish office to inquire about when the next confirmation classes will be offered.

Holy Eucharist

The Eucharist is the principal sacrament of the Church given by Christ. The outward and visible sign is bread and wine over which the words of Christ’s institution have been said. The inward and spiritual grace is the reception of the living and glorified body of Christ for the strengthening of the soul, the forgiveness of sins, and union with Christ for eternal life.

The Sacrament of the Eucharist is available to all baptized Christians, however young children may receive special instruction prior to making their First Communion, during which a celebration is held for those receiving. Please contact the parish office to set up an appointment with the rector to discuss First Communion.

At St. Thomas, any baptized Christian who has examined their conscience and desires to receive the Body and Blood of Christ is welcome to come forward and receive at any mass.

Confession

Also known as the Sacrament of Reconciliation or Penance, auricular confession (spoken privately to a priest) has been a part of every Prayer Book in the Anglican tradition. The outward and visible sign is the repentance of sins given by a baptized Christian to a priest in private, to which the priest grants absolution. The inward and spiritual grace are the merits of Christ assuring the penitent of the forgiveness of their sins.

While we believe that all forms of confession, whether directly to God in prayer or through liturgical forms in the Mass, are efficacious for the forgiveness of our sins, the Prayer Book recognizes that sometimes such a confession is insufficient to remove doubt over whether or not our sins have been forgiven: “ And if, in your preparation [to make your communion], you need help and counsel, then go and open your grief to a discreet and understanding priest, and confess your sins, that you may receive the benefit of absolution, and spiritual counsel and advice; to the removal of scruple and doubt, the assurance of pardon, and the strengthening of your faith.” (BCP 317)

In The Episcopal Church, the Seal of Confession is absolute, and matters confessed to a Priest will never be repeated to anyone.

If you wish to make your confession, please contact the parish office to speak directly with the rector and schedule a time. Confessions may be heard in the church, in the chapel, or in the Rector’s Office at the penitent’s preference, and the rector will review the process for making one’s confession for anyone who is unfamiliar with the process.

Anointing

The Sacrament of Anointing is offered to the Sick at our Mass of Intercessions (Healing Mass; however you want to phrase or link it) and by request to anyone who is ill and in need of prayer. Contact the parish office, and, if after hours, choose the “pastoral emergency” option to be connected directly to the rector.

Holy Matrimony

Not to be confused with civil marriage, Holy Matrimony is the Sacrament of marriage in the eyes of God. The outward and visible sign is the pledge of self to the other made by one man and one woman for supernatural purposes. The inward and spiritual grace is the indissoluble bond of marriage for procreation of children, hallowing of sexual relations between husband and wife, and mutual love and support.

Marital preparation courses are required prior to receiving this sacrament to ensure that both parties understand the purposes of Holy Matrimony, and the sacrament of Holy Matrimony is generally restricted to members of the parish.

Please contact the parish office to set up an appointment with the rector if you are interested in receiving the sacrament of Holy Matrimony at St. Thomas.

Ordination

The Sacrament of Holy Orders is conferred by the Bishop on those called to ministry in the life of the Church. The outward and visible sign is the laying on of hands by the bishop with ordination prayers appropriate to the order to which the ordinand is being ordained. The inward and spiritual grace is the power to minister in the order to which the ordinand is ordained.

If you believe you are called to Holy Orders, please contact the parish office to set up an appointment with the Rector to discuss your sense of calling and the process for discerning a call to ordination within the Diocese of Central Florida.

Funerals

Funerals and burials are offered as a ministry of the parish to anyone who has died and is in need of a dignified commendation to God, as an act of Christian charity and work of mercy. If a loved one has died and St. Thomas can help, please contact the parish office. To learn how we continue to support families through times of loss, visit our Bereavement page.

Schedule HERE

Reach out to us if you have questions or would like to schedule a ceremony or sacrament.

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Interested in receiving spiritual direction?

Please reach out to set up an appointment with the rector.

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