Holy Moments
A sacrament, in the language of the Book of Common Prayer, is "an outward and visible sign of an inward and spiritual grace." The Episcopal Church recognizes two sacraments ordained by Jesus Christ himself — Holy Baptism and Holy Eucharist — as central and necessary to the life of the church. Beyond these two, the tradition also honors five additional sacramental rites: Confirmation, Holy Matrimony, Reconciliation of a Penitent, Unction (anointing of the sick), and Holy Orders.
Together, these rites mark the full arc of a human life in the company of God's people. They are not mere ceremonies but encounters with grace, performed within the gathered community and presided over by ordained clergy. At Trinity, we celebrate each one with care, reverence, and joy.
If you are seeking to arrange a Baptism, wedding, or burial, or have questions about any of these rites, the clergy at Trinity welcome your inquiry and will guide you through each step of the process.
Holy Baptism celebrated in the main church — one of the two sacraments at the heart of Episcopal life.
Ordained by Christ
The Book of Common Prayer teaches that Holy Baptism and Holy Eucharist are "the two great sacraments of the Gospel" — the means of grace given directly by Christ and necessary for the full life of the Church.
Full initiation into the Body of Christ
In Baptism, a person is immersed in — or sprinkled with — water in the name of the Trinity, dying to the old life and rising to new life in Christ. The Episcopal Church baptizes people of all ages, including infants, and welcomes the whole congregation as witnesses and sponsors of the newly baptized. Baptism is a once-for-all sacrament; it cannot be repeated. Trinity celebrates Baptisms on the Great Vigil of Easter, Pentecost, All Saints' Sunday, and the Feast of the Baptism of Our Lord — the four principal baptismal Sundays of the church year — as well as by special arrangement.
The principal act of Christian worship
The Eucharist — also called Holy Communion, the Lord's Supper, or the Mass — is the sacrament in which bread and wine become for us the Body and Blood of Christ. At Trinity, the Eucharist is celebrated at every Sunday service and at many other occasions throughout the week. The altar table is open to all baptized Christians. The Eucharist stands at the center of Episcopal worship; it is the act around which everything else in our liturgical life is ordered, and the deepest expression of our unity with God and with one another.
Rites of the Church
In addition to the two great sacraments, the Episcopal Church celebrates five sacramental rites that accompany the key passages of a life lived in faith. Each is performed by or with the blessing of the ordained clergy and rooted in the Book of Common Prayer.
Mature affirmation of faith
Confirmation is the rite in which a baptized person, having come to a mature understanding of the faith, affirms their baptismal vows before the Bishop and receives the laying on of hands. It is also the rite through which people baptized in other Christian traditions are formally received into the Episcopal Church. Confirmation is administered by the Bishop of the Diocese, typically during a pastoral visit to the parish.
In 2025, twelve persons were confirmed or received into the Episcopal Church at Trinity on April 27.
The blessing of a marriage
The Episcopal Church celebrates Holy Matrimony as a solemn and public covenant between two persons, made in the presence of God, the priest, and the gathered community. The BCP includes liturgies for both traditional marriage and for the blessing of same-sex unions. Weddings at Trinity may be arranged with the clergy, who will guide couples through preparation, including pre-marital conversations and the planning of the service. Trinity's historic main church is a beautiful and prayerful setting for a wedding.
In 2026, one couple was married in Trinity's chapel.
Commending a life to God
The Burial Office of the Book of Common Prayer is an act of Christian worship as much as it is a rite of farewell. It affirms the resurrection, gives thanks for a life, and commends the departed to the mercy of God. Services may be held in the main church or chapel. Trinity also maintains a Memorial Garden for those who wish to be interred on the church grounds.
Confession and absolution
The Episcopal Church provides for private confession — known as the Reconciliation of a Penitent — in which a person confesses sins to a priest and receives the assurance of God's forgiveness. The BCP is clear that this rite is available to all but required of none: "all may, none must, some should." It is a pastoral resource offered by the clergy to those who find it a helpful part of their spiritual life, particularly in seasons of preparation such as Lent.
Anointing of the sick
Unction — the anointing of the sick with oil and the laying on of hands — is a sacramental rite of healing and strengthening for those who are ill, facing surgery, or carrying a heavy burden. At Trinity, Healing Prayer is offered at the altar rail on the first Sunday of each month during the 10:00 AM service. The Healing Prayer Ministry, now in its 17th year, also gathers on the first and third Thursday evenings for prayer and reflection. All requests are held in strict confidence.
See also: Healing Prayer Ministry
Ordination to ministry
Holy Orders is the rite by which persons are ordained as Bishops, Priests, or Deacons in the Church. Ordination is administered by a Bishop, and represents the Church's setting apart of certain members for the ministry of Word, Sacrament, and pastoral care. Trinity has been home to clergy in all three orders and has supported members in their journeys toward ordination. Those who feel called to explore ordained ministry are encouraged to speak with the clergy.
We Are Here to Help
Whether you are planning a Baptism for a newborn, preparing for Confirmation, arranging a wedding, or facing the loss of a loved one, Trinity's clergy are available to walk alongside you. No prior experience with Episcopal worship is required — we will explain everything and make sure the service reflects both the tradition of the church and the particular circumstances of your family.
Contact the church office by phone or email to express your interest and begin the conversation. For weddings, please contact us well in advance to check calendar availability.
A member of the clergy will meet with you to discuss your needs, answer questions about the service, and begin any preparation that is appropriate — pre-marital preparation for weddings, sponsor conversations for Baptisms, etc.
The clergy will help you choose appropriate readings, music, and liturgical elements from the Book of Common Prayer. Many families find this planning process to be deeply meaningful in itself.
The whole congregation rejoices with you. For funerals and memorial services, a reception in the Parish Hall for family and friends may be arranged following the service.
Contact the church office and we will connect you with the right member of the clergy.
