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Sacraments

Holy Communion

Sacraments are visible, tangible signs of an inner, spiritual reality - sometimes referred to as “the means of Grace.” The Episcopal Church recognizes two principle Sacraments, Holy Baptism and Holy Communion, because they were instituted by Jesus himself. Along with the historic catholic church the Episcopal Church also observes five other Sacramental Rites, which are similarly holy, yet not necessarily experienced by all people. Here is a bit of information about how we experience and participate in the Sacraments at Grace Church in Nutley.

Holy Baptism

Baptism is the mystical rite of initiation into the Church. Christians have two dominant metaphors to understand baptism: tomb and womb. When we are immersed in the holy waters of baptism, we are buried with Christ in his death and enabled to share in his resurrection, or understood differently, in baptism we enter the holy womb out of which we are reborn to new life. Both metaphors point toward the same reality: a new beginning! In baptism we receive the gift of the Holy Spirit and begin our journey of following Jesus Christ as Lord.

At Grace Church, we follow ancient custom and perform baptisms on the major feast days (our holiest occasions) of the Church year. We baptize infants, children, and adults, and we take seriously the need to thoroughly prepare before receiving this grace-soaked Sacrament. Read our [Baptismal Customary] for more information about our baptismal preparation and expectations and then email the parish office to register yourself or your child for baptism.

On his final night of mortal life, Jesus shared a sacred meal with his closest friends. He broke a loaf of bread and passed around a cup of wine and told them that they were his body and blood – that he was sharing himself with them – and then he encouraged them to keep sharing this meal in the future as a way to remember and experience him. We’re still sharing that meal today at Grace Church in Nutley.

In the Eucharist, we not only remember Jesus’ saving life, death, and resurrection, we also experience his presence in our midst afresh. Jesus becomes really present with us in a special way through the elements of bread and wine during the mass. He offers himself as spiritual food and drink to nourish and sustain us, and it renews us with peace and forgiveness and strength to carry on. Our act of Eucharist (a word that comes from a Greek word meaning Thanksgiving) is holy and sublime, and for many it is the centerpiece of their week.

When you join us for Eucharist, all baptized Christians, regardless of church affiliation, are invited and encouraged to share in this sacred meal, and that goes for children, too. We offer Intentional First Communion instruction for children in grade 2 or above each spring, and Father Asa will gladly meet with anyone who desires to know more before receiving.

During his earthly life, it was not only Jesus’ miraculous power that astounded and transformed people, but also his willingness to forgive sins, including the sins of people his society considered beyond redemption. Forgiveness is central to Jesus’ identity, and our experience of his merciful forgiveness is central to how he saves and heals us.

In nearly all of our worship services, just before we share communion we confess our sins. After a time of reflective silence, the whole congregation shares in a confession: “We confess that we have sinned,” we say together, acknowledging that we have not always loved God with our whole heart or our neighbors as ourselves. It is our humble request for forgiveness, which God then grants freely.

However, it is often the case that confessing our sins more privately, and specifying with intention the things we have done that have taken us further away from God, can be a deeply cathartic experience. We can only repent from, that is, genuinely turn away from, things of which we are consciously, thoughtfully aware. When we say those things aloud in the presence of a priest, it not only helps us empty ourselves of our guilt, but it also allows us to hear directly and personally that God forgives us.

All people are encouraged to share in this holy rite found in The Book of Common Prayer, and you may make an appointment with Father Asa to hear your private confession throughout the year. At Grace Church in Nutley there are weekly times intentionally set aside during the penitential seasons of Advent and Lent for this rite.

The Episcopal Church urges all its baptized members to make a mature public affirmation of their baptismal promises, and since the earliest centuries of the Church, this happens in the presence of a bishop, who “confirms” their faith and then reminds the recipient of the Holy Spirit within them through the laying on of hands. Though often seen as a rite of passage for teenagers, in truth Confirmation is appropriate for people at any stage of life who are ready to make this important affirmation. Candidates for youth confirmation (beginning in or after 8th grade) share in a year-long process of preparation, and adult candidates are prepared through a series of more succinct classes.

Some people come to The Episcopal Church from other Christian traditions and have already experienced Confirmation, so they are “Received” by the bishop into our church, presently the Episcopal Church “receives” members who have already been confirmed in Catholic, Orthodox, Lutheran, and other traditions which have apostolic succession. This action of “being confirmed” or “received” into the Episcopal Church demonstrates that your membership is not merely of this local parish but of the entire Christian Church of which the Bishop is representative.

Youth seeking Confirmation, along with Adults seeking Confirmation or Reception into the Episcopal Church, should speak with Father Asa.

It is Jean Valjean in the Broadway adaptation of Les Miserables who famously sings, “to love another person is to see the face of God.” The Sacrament of Holy Matrimony, or marriage, is a life-long union of two people who vow to be loving, sacrificial companions to each other, and through so doing, reveal God to each other and to those family and friends who journey with them in life. Their life together is a sign of Christ’s love to a sinful and broken world, and through their unity, forgiveness, and joy, they reflect the nature of the heart of God to one another and to us.

For those ready to embark on the journey of marriage, the exchange of sacred vows and receiving of a nuptial blessing sets you upon a firm foundation. Father Asa would be honored to speak with you about marriage at Grace Church in Nutley, and encourages you to review our [Marriage Booklet] for more detailed information about our practices and expectations. Contact the parish administrator to schedule an appointment with Father Asa, if you are ready to begin the process of marriage preparation and set a date.

The Anglican Church recognizes three major orders of ordained ministry: deacons, priests, and bishops. Each order carries unique responsibilities and functions within the church’s structure and worship. In the Episcopal Church all three orders are open to faithful disciples regardless of gender or sexuality. 

Deacons: Deacons are called to a ministry of service, compassion, and justice. They are ordained to serve both within the church and in the world. Deacons often work directly with marginalized communities, addressing social issues, and advocating for the needs of the vulnerable. They also assist in worship services and proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Priests: Priests, also known as presbyters or elders, are ordained to lead congregations in worship, provide pastoral care, and administer the sacraments. They have the authority to preside over the Eucharist, preach sermons, offer spiritual guidance, and celebrate other rites of the church. Priests are responsible for nurturing the faith community, teaching, interpreting scriptures, and offering pastoral support to individuals and families.

Bishops: Bishops are the overseers and spiritual leaders within the Church. They are entrusted with the care and guidance of multiple congregations within a specific geographical area known as a diocese; Grace Church in Nutley is a parish in The Episocpal Diocese of Newark.

Ordination in the Episcopal Church involves a careful discernment process, theological education, and practical training. It is seen as a vocation to which someone is specifically called, rooted in the belief that God calls individuals to serve and lead the faith community. It is a commitment to a life of service, prayer, and dedication to the Gospel. Those who are ordained are called to embody the teachings of Christ, proclaim the Good News of Jesus, and minister to the spiritual and practical needs of God’s people. Overall, holy orders in The Episcopal Church reflect a rich tradition of servant leadership, pastoral care, and worship that seeks to bring people closer to God and build a community of faith, love, and justice.

Unction is the “rite of anointing the sick with oil, or the laying on of hands, by which God’s grace is given for the healing of spirit, mind, or body” (BCP, p 861). We believe in the healing power of science and medicine, but we also believe that restoration to full health is also a spiritual and emotional matter, as well as physical matter, and that the Holy Spirit is our ultimate healer. We offer unction and laying on of hands for the sick at our Wednesday (12Noon) services, as well as by appointment with a member of the clergy. If you are sick, and especially if you are hospitalized, please alert the Parish Office as soon as possible and Father Asa will come to offer this sacramental rite, if desired.

Unction is also part of the Ministration at the Time of Death (“Last Rights”) liturgy found in The Book of Common Prayer. If your loved one is in need of anointing as they approach death please contact the Parish Office, or Father Asa directly, to arrange for a visit. You will also find an emergency contact card in the narthex welcome table – this card can be placed in your wallet or purse to indicate you would like a priest to come and pray for you if you are in an accident.