For Episcopalians, 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." (Book of Common Prayer, bottom of page 857.) The following are general guidelines regarding the Sacraments and their use within the life of the church.

Baptism is the entrance into the Christian Community by which we become members of God's family and inheritors of the Kingdom of Heaven. Baptisms are normally celebrated at public services on the four major feast days of the Church: Easter, Pentecost, the Sunday after All Saints' Day and on the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord. Baptisms are also celebrated when the Bishop visits the parish. Parents wishing to have their infants or children baptized and adults who are interested in being baptized should contact the priest.

Eucharist, or Holy Communion, is the sacrament commended by Christ for his continual remembrance and is our central act of worship. All baptized Christians, including children, who are communicants of other denominations are invited to receive Holy Communion when visiting the Episcopal Church. At St. Andrew's, you may choose to have the Priest either place the bread on your tongue or on your open palm, and you may also either intinct the bread or take the chalice of wine by the base and guide it to your lips.

Persons who have not been baptized are invited to come to the altar rail and kneel with their arms across their chest to receive a blessing.

Confirmation expresses a mature commitment to Christ and active ministry by the power of the Holy Spirit. It is administered by the laying on of the hands by a bishop. Classes to prepare for confirmation are held each year.

Christian Marriage is a solemn and public covenant between a man and a woman in the presence of God. It signifies to us the mystery of the union between Christ and his Church. It is our policy that at least one of the couple be an active member of St. Andrew's. It is required by laws governing the Episcopal Church that at least one of the persons be a baptized Christian, and that at least thirty days notice be given for any marriage. We recommend that a much longer period of preparation take place.

The Reconciliation of the Penitent, or Penance, is the rite in which those who repent of their sins may confess them to God in the presence of a priest, and receive the assurance of pardon and the grace of absolution. The Sacrament is available by appointment with the priest.

The Anointing of the Sick, and the Laying on of Hands is the rite in which God's grace is given for the healing of spirit, mind or body. It is usually celebrated on the third Sunday of each month as part of the regular Sunday Liturgy.

Ordination: The Episcopal Church is an apostolic church, continuing in the teaching and fellowship of the Apostles. Through the ordination of bishops, priests and deacons, God gives the grace of the sacraments and the authority of His Church. All ordinations are administered by the laying on of hands by a bishop.