Our Anglican tradition recognizes sacraments as “outward and visible signs of inward and spiritual grace” (Book of Common Prayer, p. 857). Holy Baptism and the Eucharist (or Holy Communion) are the two great sacraments given by Jesus Christ to the church.

In the case of baptism, the outward and visible sign is water, in which the person is baptized in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. The inward and spiritual grace is union with Christ in his death and resurrection, birth into God’s family (the church), forgiveness of sins, and new life in the Holy Spirit. In the case of Eucharist, the outward and visible sign is bread and wine, given and received according to Christ’s command. The inward and spiritual grace is the body and blood of Christ, given to his people to strengthen and nourish them for the work of discipleship, individually and as a body.

In addition to these two, other spiritual markers in our journey of faith can serve as a means of grace. These include:

• Confirmation: the adult reaffirmation of our baptismal vows.
• Reconciliation of a penitent: private confession.
• Matrimony: Christian marriage.
• Orders: ordination to the diaconate, priesthood, or episcopacy.
• Unction: anointing those who are sick or dying with holy oil.