Sacraments

Q. What are the sacraments?

A. 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.

Q. What is grace?

A. Grace is God’s favor towards us, unearned and undeserved; by grace God forgives our sins, enlightens our minds, stirs our hearts, and strengthens our wills.

From “The Catechism” as found on pages 857-8 in The Book of Common Prayer

If you are considering any of the following Sacraments please contact the Rector.

Holy Baptism

Holy Baptism is the sacrament by which one embraces the Christian way and becomes a member of the Church, the Body of Christ. Being washed with water and anointed with oil, one becomes Christ’s own forever. This sacrament is entrance into the Church, and, once baptized, a person is a full member of the Church. 

Anyone who seeks God and is drawn to Jesus Christ is welcome to receive the sacrament of Baptism. In the Episcopal Church both infants and adults are baptized. At St. Thomas baptisms occur on days especially appropriate and set aside for the sacrament, and within the context of public worship. These days are: the Feast of the Baptism of our Lord (January), the Great Vigil of Easter (early spring), the Day of Pentecost (late spring), and All Saints’ Day (November). Baptism is also appropriate on the occasion of the Bishop’s visit (once every three years).  

The Episcopal Church recognizes the Baptism of other Christian traditions. With rare exception, one does not need to be baptized again when becoming a member of this Church.

Holy Eucharist

If Baptism happens once in a lifetime then the Eucharist is the practice of a lifetime, and is the food which forms, strengthens, and sustains us as we seek to live our our baptismal promises. 

The Holy Eucharist is the sacrament commanded by Christ for the continual remembrance of his life, death, and resurrection, until his coming again. 

Coming from the Greek word meaning “thanksgiving,” the Eucharist is a meal of great thanks, given freely to us by Jesus and instituted on the night before he died.  

In the Eucharist the bread and wine are changed into the Body and Blood of Jesus, and as we receive the Sacrament we too are transformed into the Body and Blood of Christ for the world. Nourished by the Eucharist we are sent forth at the conclusion of each liturgy to share the Good News of God, doing the work of love, justice, and peace. 

It is the practice of the Episcopal Church that all baptized Christians, regardless of denominational affiliation, are welcome to receive the Eucharist. 

Confirmation

Confirmation is the adult affirmation of faith for those baptized as infants.  At baptism, parents and Godparents make promises on behalf of the child being baptized. Confirmation is when we express a mature commitment to Christ, and receive strength from the Holy Spirit through prayer and the laying on of hands by a bishop.

Holy Matrimony

Holy Matrimony, also known as Marriage, is the sacrament in which two people enter into a life-long union of love and mutuality by making solemn and public vows to one another in the presence of God and God’s people.



At St. Thomas Church, marriage is available to all couples, regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity. Both the Episcopal Church and the State of Rhode Island recognize marriage equality. 

Please note that being married at St. Thomas requires advanced notice and preparation - primarily in the form of premarital session with the clergy. 

Reconciliation of a Penitent

This is the sacrament, also known as penance or confession, in which those who repent of their sins may confess them to God in the presence of a priest, and receive assurance of pardon and the grace of absolution. The priest is present, not to judge, but to listen to the one confessing, offer counsel, and pronounce God’s forgiveness. 



In the Episcopal Church we practice both congregational and individuals confession. When we gather for public worship the congregation confesses their sins (through recitation of the prayer of confession) and God’s absolution is pronounced. In addition, some may find the need for private confession with a priest. This is not required, but all are welcome to participate in individual confession. 

Unction

Unction, also known as Anointing of the Sick, is an ancient practice when one who is anointed with oil, on the forehead in the sign of the cross, by the clergy. God is asked to impart grace for the healing of spirit, mind, and body. 



Anointing is also appropriate at the time of death. When a person approached the end of life, the priest is called to offer prayers and anointing with oil. This practice is rooted in the hope that just as Jesus died and was raised on the third day, so too will we be raised. Prayers during this liturgy are offered for the person’s soul, and for those who mourn. 

Ordination

Ordination is the sacrament in which God gives authority and the grace of the Holy Spirit to this ebbing made bishops, priests and deacons through prayer and the laying on of hands by bishops. The ordination process is lengthy and involves significant discernment and time. 

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