About the Sacraments

Saint Brendan’s Church is non-dogmatic.  It does not take the approach that there is only one correct or orthodox way to believe, or that there are a particular set of principles or doctrines which must be believed in order to obtain good standing with God.  Therefore the information which follows should be understood as reflecting the general character and spirituality of our community, and not as articles that set forth belief requirements.

 

This general list, along with basic descriptions is provided to give a better idea of the kinds of religious services that one might encounter at Saint Brendan’s, as well as their basic purposes.

Baptism

The sacrament by which a person is solemnly admitted to membership in the church and grafted into the mystical body of Christ.

Confirmation

The sacrament or sacramental rite by which a person confirms his or her vows of Baptism and through the invocation of the Holy Spirit and laying on of hands of the celebrant receives spiritual strength for the life of faith to which the person is committing.

Eucharist

The sacrament wherein bread and wine are consecrated and thereby linked, or polarized, on the life of Christ.  They become to us outposts of Christ’s life and consciousness, thus enabling the person receiving them to become a channel of Christ’s life and beauty.  The Holy Eucharist is also known as Holy Communion or the Lord’s Supper.

Confession and Absolution

The sacrament or sacramental rite by which there is a restoration of the inner harmony of nature which has been disturbed by wrongdoing, a bringing of a person once more into tune with the divine power which flows through us all and of which we are to be true expressions.  Confession may be performed privately or in a general confession in the context of a worship service.

Anointing

The sacrament or sacramental rite by which the body is anointed with holy oils for the spiritual strengthening of the person, as well as for healing of the physical body.

Marriage

The sacrament or sacramental rite in which the couple bind themselves to each other through vows of mutual commitment and in which the celebrant gives the blessing of the church.  It is viewed as a sign of the relationship which exists between Christ and the church, and at Saint Brendan’s is a spiritual service available to opposite-sex and same-sex couples.  In the Celtic tradition, marriage is also referred to as handfasting.

Ordination

The sacrament or sacramental rite by which, in their various degrees, ministers of the gospel receive power and authority to perform their sacred duties.

Visible Signs of Invisible Grace