This is a semi-difficult topic. It really does
depend on the vicar, the bishop or the congregation.
Some
Anglicans/Episcopalians accept only two sacraments: Holy Communion, also
called the Lord's Supper; and Holy Baptism, also known as Immersion. These
are the "two sacraments of Protestantism".
Some
Anglicans/Episcopalians accept the traditional seven sacraments of the
Roman Catholic Church, namely: Holy Baptism (a.k.a. Immersion), Holy
Communion (a.k.a. Holy Eucharist or the Lord's Supper), Confirmation,
Confession (a.k.a. Penance), Matrimony, Holy Orders, and Holy Unction
(a.k.a. Anointing of the Sick).
But within all the squabble, all
Anglicans/Episcopalians do agree on one thing: Holy Communion and Holy
Baptism, are the most important Sacraments. They are definitely the
biggies. According to the Catechism of the Protestant Episcopal Church,
"They are outward and visible signs of inward and spiritual grace, given
by Christ as sure and certain means by which we receive that
grace".
In Baptism, our God freely offers his grace and in
love establishes a new community. It is in Baptism that people become
members of Christ's Body on earth, the Church. Also, Baptism is
proclaiming to the world of your salvation in Christ alone. If you were
baptized when you were an infant, you get confirmed. At your Confirmation,
you confirm and accept your baptism. Baptism represents two
things: you died to your sins (during immersion in water) and rose up to
be a new creature in Christ (after immersion in water). Baptism represents
the Resurrection of Christ, and that you resurrected with Him
also.
In Holy Communion, also called the Lord's Supper or the
Eucharist -- those who come to the table receive by faith, through bread
and wine, the body and blood of their Lord. Through the bread and wine,
God is really present and he comes to nourish us with Himself. When we
come to Communion, we are joined with Christ, and his Body: our brothers
and sisters, living and departed throughout the world. Also, Holy
Communion is a proclamation of our faith: Christ died for our sins, Christ
rose to intercede for us, and Christ will come again to judge the living
and the dead.
Amora says:
"Someone once said, We all want to fall in love. Why? Because that
experience makes us feel completely alive. Where every sense is
heightened, every emotion is magnified, our everyday reality is shattered
and we are flying into the heavens. It may only last a moment, an hour, an
afternoon. But that doesn't diminish its value. Because we are left with
memories that we treasure for the rest of our lives. I think that's a beautiful quote. In the sacraments, truly every
sense is heightened, every emotion is magnified, our everyday realities
are shattered and we commune with our God in heaven. It doesn't last a
moment, an hour, an afternoon. It lasts forever! It never diminishes in
value, because we are left with memories that we treasure for the rest of
our lives. The memories of what Christ did for us."
Suggested external
links:
Sacrament, Ordinance, Mystery-
A short guide to how that sacraments are celebrated in all
denominations.
http://mb-soft.com/believe/sacramen.htm