Life Events and Sacraments of the Church
A Sacrament is an outward and visible sign of inward and spiritual grace given to us from God through Jesus Christ. The two great sacraments in the Episcopal church are Baptism and Holy Eucharist. The other sacramental rites are confirmation, ordination, holy matrimony, the reconciliation of a penitent (confession and absolution) and unction, or the anointing of the sick with holy oil and the laying on of hands.
To arrange any of these life events, please contact the church office or Rector directly at 507-282-9429.
Baptism
Baptism is the sacrament of water by which a person (child or adult) is adopted as a child of God in union with the forgiveness of sins and new life in Christ, and is made a member of the church and of the kingdom of God. Although it can be a private service, at Calvary it is typically celebrated at one of the Sunday services where it is a time of joy for all in attendance as the community promises to support and uphold the baptismal candidate. For infant baptisms, there is an instruction period for parents and godparents before Baptism. For older teenagers and adults, there is an age-appropriate instruction period. Baptisms take place throughout the church year with the exception of the season of Lent.
Holy Eucharist
Holy Eucharist is the sacrament of bread and wine, given to us by Christ at the last supper with his disciples on the night before he died. It is celebrated every Sunday at all three services at Calvary and on Feast Days and other times in the year. The Eucharist brings us into communion with God and one another through thanksgiving. We also take Eucharist to people who are unable to attend church. At Calvary, all are welcome to receive Holy Eucharist.
Confirmation
Confirmation is the sacramental rite in which we express a mature commitment to Christ, affirm our baptismal vows, and receive strength from the Holy Spirit through prayer and the laying on of hands by a Bishop. Confirmation classes at Calvary are available every year for teenagers from 10th through 12th grade and for adults who have come from other denominations or who, for any reason. have never been and wish to be confirmed.
Holy Matrimony
Calvary Episcopal Church welcomes all couples seeking a Christian wedding or blessing. This covenant of commitment between two people and God is a sacramental rite of the Episcopal Church and a celebratory occasion for all in attendance. Calvary offers this rite and its sacred space to parish members, their children, those who call Calvary their spiritual home, as well as to those who are not members of Calvary.
The Episcopal Church requires that at least one member of the couple is a baptized Christian and that two witnesses attest to the marriage or blessing ceremony. All marriage services at Calvary are officiated by the Rector, and premarital counseling by the officiant is required by the canons of the church. In addition to clergy approval, Calvary asks that the ceremony date be scheduled at least six months in advance.
Ordination
All baptized people are called to bear witness to Christ and empowered to carry on God’s work of reconciliation in the world and take their place in the work of the church. Ordination to the clergy as a deacon or priest is another expression of a person’s vocation and ministry. Following formal training, ordination is the sacrament of the laying on of hands by a bishop. Anyone interested in exploring ordination to the clergy is welcome to contact the Rector to begin this discussion.
Reconciliation of a Penitent
This sacramental rite is more traditionally known as private confession. It is offered by appointment with the Rector to anyone seeking confession and absolution.
Unction of the Sick
Every Monday at 5:15 (with the exception of Federal holidays) Calvary offers a Healing Service with Eucharist and the laying on of hands and anointing of oil for healing. All people of any faith are welcome to partake of this sacrament at the Healing Service. Additionally, the anointing and laying on of hands to receive God’s grace for healing may be done in a hospital, hospice care, or at home.