Canterbury Fellowship and the Sacraments

Canterbury Fellowship is a campus ministry program recognized by the Episcopal Diocese of Georgia (and also the national Episcopal Church) and sponsored locally by Saint Paul's Church. Your Episcopal Campus Chaplain is an ordained priest authorized by the Bishop of Georgia to administer the Sacraments of the Gospel and other pastoral ministries of the Church. This will often be appropriate, but while you're in Augusta, participating in Canterbury Fellowship ought not to be a substitute for participating in the life of a local congregation in your faith tradition.

What are Sacraments?

The catechism of the Book of Common Prayer (BCP) defines sacraments as "outward and visible signs of inward and spiritual grace, given by Christ as sure and certain means by which we receive that grace." The two great Sacraments of the Gospel are Holy Baptism and Holy Eucharist. Many other rites and practices, some of which date from the Apostolic Era (or earlier) have a sacramental nature. The BCP catechism specifically recognizes Confirmation, Ordination, Holy Matrimony, Reconciliation of a Penitent, and Unction.

Holy Baptism

Baptisms are usually part of a Sunday Holy Eucharist service, following a period of spiritual preparation and formation. If you would like to be baptized, or have a child baptized, the Chaplain will be delighted to discuss this with you, and make arrangements, either at a Canterbury Fellowship service, or at a local parish. Emergency baptism is available at any time.

Holy Eucharist

Any baptized Christian (regardless of denominational affiliation) may receive communion in an Episcopal Holy Eucharist service, and anyone, regardless of religious affiliation, may come forward to receive a blessing from the priest at the time of the communion.

In special situations, the Chaplain or a licensed lay Eucharistic visitor can bring communion to your home.

Episcopal churches in the area offer Holy Eucharist every Sunday, on other days during the week, and on major feast days like Christmas.

Confirmation, Reception, and Reaffirmation

Confirmation is the normative rite for adults who desire to make a public affirmation of their faith and commitment to the responsibilities of their baptism, following instruction in the faith of the church. The rite of confirmation requires a period of instruction in the Christian Faith prior to a church service, led by the Bishop, in which one expresses a mature commitment to Christ, and receives strength from the Holy Spirit through prayer and the laying on of hands by the Bishop. In Episcopal churches, confirmation is required for Eucharistic Ministers, and parish leadership positions. All local parishes offer confirmation classes, usually once yearly. If you wish to be confirmed in the Episcopal Church, the Chaplain will help you get in contact with a local parish, and would be honored to be one of your presenters.

Adults who have been baptized and confirmed by bishops of churches in historic succession may be "received" at the Bishop's visit without repeat confirmation.

At the Bishop's visit, adults who wish to reaffirm their commitment to follow Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior may do so.

Ordination

Those who feel that they are being called to Holy Orders in the Church should meet with the Chaplain or their parish priest.

Holy Matrimony

Weddings are worship services, normally conducted by parish clergy in one's local or home church. The Chaplain will consider exceptions on an individual basis.

When the Chaplain officiates at weddings, the service will be conducted from the Book of Common Prayer, using "The Celebration and Blessing of a Marriage."

Episcopal weddings are conducted in accordance with prevailing laws, and national and diocesan canons. At least one member of the couple must be a baptized Christian.

Most Episcopal churches don't schedule weddings during the season of Lent, and almost never in Holy Week. Weddings are rarely conducted on Sundays.

Episcopalians take seriously the need for prayerful preparation for the sacrament of marriage. The wedding planning process should be initiated at least 6 months prior to the date you have in mind for the actual ceremony. One month before is the practical minimum.

The Episcopal Church requires, without exception, that the bride and groom receive prenuptial counseling prior to the wedding ceremony. In most cases, 3 to 6 meetings will suffice. Please do not set a wedding date until the priest gives you permission to do so.

The Chaplain will gladly coordinate local referrals for simple prenuptial counseling to couples planning weddings in Episcopal parishes distant from Augusta, if the priest who will actually conduct that ceremony agrees in advance. For more complex situations, professional counseling is available locally.

Without exception, remarriage after divorce requires written permission from the Bishop. The administrative process for this is complex.

Reconciliation of a Penitent

The Holy Eucharist service provides for group confession and absolution from sins. Individual sacramental confession (called "Reconciliation of a Penitent") is also available. The rule is simple: all may, no one must, some should.

A pastoral counseling session, formal or informal, is not sacramental confession. Sacramental confession follows the outline of the Book of Common Prayer (page 447), and except under urgent conditions, it takes place in a chapel or a church with the priest wearing a purple stole.

While pastoral counseling sessions are normally confidential, various laws (local, state, national) and regulations (GHSU campus, and MCGHI) might compel the Chaplain to divulge details of pastoral counseling sessions to authorities.

In contrast, the secrecy of a sacramental confession is morally absolute for the priest, and will not be broken under any circumstances. However, if the penitent confesses to grave crimes (e.g., child sexual abuse), the priest can withhold absolution until the penitent notifies the authorities.

Unction

Unction is the sacramental anointing, with oil, of the sick and dying, and/or the laying-on of hands, by which God's grace is given for the healing of spirit, mind, and body. Viaticum is another term for the "last rites" (see "Ministration at the Time of Death," BCP page 462).

Other Pastoral Services

Healing Prayers

The Chaplain will gladly offer healing prayers, laying-on of hands, and anointing with oil for those who ask God for healing of spirit, mind, and body. Healing is one of the gifts of the Holy Spirit, given to lay persons and those in Holy Orders. If you believe that God is calling you to be a Christian healer, please meet with the Chaplain to discuss this call.

Burial

Burial services are normally conducted by parish clergy in one's local or home church. When needed, the Chaplain is available to preside at or participate in funeral services.

Spiritual Direction

The Western spiritual tradition is very rich, offering a variety of spiritual practices. The Chaplain, as well as other chaplains on campus, is available for brief, informal spiritual direction. The Augusta area has several trained spiritual directors. If you are interested in beginning a formal spiritual direction relationship, please contact the Chaplain, who can help you make appropriate arrangements.