Sacraments + Rites
At St. John’s Episcopal Church, we honor the sacred traditions of the Episcopal Church by offering the sacraments and rites that mark life’s most meaningful moments. Rooted in ancient Christian practice and enriched by the Anglican tradition, these holy acts invite us into deeper relationship with God and one another.
To learn more about how to celebrate these sacred moments at St. John’s, explore the sections below or contact our parish office for more information.
Baptisms
In Baptism, we bring new members into the Church, into the whole company of faithful people past, present, and future.
In baptism, we announce that God’s Kingdom has come near, that that through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, through water and the Holy Spirit, through the faithful witness of the Church, through the lives of all the saints, God’s reign of justice and peace and love is breaking into our messy world one transformed, healed, sealed, and marked life at a time.
Confirmation
“Confirmation is the rite in which 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.”
It is the normal practice in the Diocese of Indianapolis to administer Confirmation when the Bishop visits St. John’s or at other combined diocesan services. Candidates for Confirmation are usually 16 years of age or older. A series of classes for those seeking Baptism or Confirmation at St. John’s take place throughout the year.
Weddings + Blessings
The Book of Common Prayer—the form of our church’s worship—presumes that those seeking marriage in the Church have a relationship with the local congregation where they wish to have their marriage blessed.
Preparation includes consideration of the ceremony but also the Church’s hope for the couple’s life together as expressed in the prayers of the service and the ways that life might be lived out.
St. John’s is an open and affirming parish and welcomes queer and genderqueer couples looking to honor their relationship within Christian community. In addition, couples who have experienced divorce are also welcome to explore marriage within the Episcopal Church.
Christian Burial + Advanced Care Planning
The Christian faith calls us to witness, even in death, the new life that God gives in Christ through his death and resurrection. Christian burial is marked by three characteristics. First and foremost, it is an act of worship wherein we glorify God for the gift of eternal life in Jesus Christ, our Lord. Second, it is a time when members of the Body of Christ gather to comfort one another and to offer mutual assurance of God’s abiding love. Third, it is a liturgy of celebration whereby we give thanks for a deceased loved one and commend that person to the care of Almighty God.
St. John’s has created a Memorial Service Planner intended to help you and your family prepare in advance. It will enable your family and the parish clergy to understand your wishes and preferences. The clergy will help plan the service and will stand ready to assist in any way.
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Reconciliation of a Penitent (Private Confession)
In the Episcopal Church, the Reconciliation of a Penitent (also known as “private confession” in other traditions) 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.
As we often put it, “All may, some should, none must.” In other words, there may come a time in a person’s life of faith that the private and specific articulation of past behaviors or actions become a burden and an obstacle to further growth. Those burdens should be shared and offered to God.
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Lay Eucharistic Visitation + Ministry to the Sick
The Church’s ministry to the sick includes not only prayer and pastoral visitation but also the administration of Holy Communion by the clergy or a layperson.
Holy Communion is brought from the bread and wine blessed on a Sunday morning during the parish liturgy. Holy Unction is the anointing of the sick with oil blessed by the bishop or a priest as part of the Church’s ministry to the sick.
Because Jesus connected healing and forgiveness, the sacrament of Reconciliation of a Penitent is always available for those whose healing and wholeness might be impeded by some past experience that blocks their acceptance of God’s mercy, love and grace.
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Resources
Whether you need to update your information, access the prayer list, or seek assistance, you can find what you need by exploring our resources.
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Give
Your generosity supports St. John’s mission of worship, service, and community outreach, helping us grow in faith and make a meaningful impact.
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Get Involved
Enrich worship at St. John’s by joining our choir, serving as a reader, assisting with communion, or volunteering in other meaningful roles that uplift our congregation.
Contact Us
We’d love to hear from you with any questions you may have!