The Sacraments of the Church are at the very core of our Christian discipleship, “outward and visible signs of inward and spiritual grace, given by Christ as sure and certain means by which we receive that grace” (Book of Common Prayer [BCP], 857). Anglicans recognize the two “great sacraments of the Gospel,” Holy Baptism and Holy Eucharist, and the five sacraments of the Church: Confirmation, Ordination, Holy Matrimony, Reconciliation of a Penitent [confession], and Unction [anointing of the sick] (BCP 860).

Baptism

Photos: Tyler Espinoza

“Holy Baptism is the sacrament by which God adopts us as his children and makes us members of Christ’s Body, the Church, and inheritors of the kingdom of God.” It effects our “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” (BCP 858).

Preparation for this Sacrament varies according to age. For infants and younger children, parents and sponsors meet with a member of the clergy to discuss the nature of the Sacrament and how they will ensure this child is “brought up in the Christian faith and life” (BCP 302).

Adult candidates for Baptism prepare in a five-week catechism class during the season of Lent, followed by a weekend retreat. Whenever possible, adult candidates are baptized at the Great Vigil of Easter.

Click here to indicate your interest in this Sacrament.

Upcoming Baptismal dates:

  • All Saints’ Day: Sunday, November 1, 2026, 10:00am
  • The Feast of the Baptism of Our Lord: Sunday, January 10, 2027, 10:00am
  • The Great Vigil of Easter: Saturday, March 27, 2027, 8:00pm
  • The Second Sunday of Easter: Sunday, April 4, 2027, 10:00am
  • The Feast of Saint Philip and Saint James, Apostles: Sunday, May 2, 2027, 10:00am
  • The Day of Pentecost (Whitsunday): Sunday, May 16, 2027, 10:00am

Upcoming Catechism dates: (for adult candidates for Baptism, Confirmation, Reception, and Reaffirmation)

  • Wednesdays in Lent, from February 17, 2027 through March 17, 2027, 6:15-7:45pm
  • Baptismal Retreat: Saturday, March 20, 2027, 9:00am-12:00pm
  • Confirmation Retreat: Saturday, May 8, 2027, 9:00am-12:00pm

Solemn Communion

In The Episcopal Church, children are welcome to receive Holy Eucharist as soon as they are baptized, even as infants, so this is not “First Communion.” Rather, it is an opportunity for children to deepen their experience of the Eucharist.

Children who are in third grade (or thereabouts), and who have participated in the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, gather as a group for six afternoon sessions (over the course of six weeks). They bake Communion bread, make small paschal candles, explore key points of Scripture and ancient prayer practices related to Communion, and participate in a short retreat. Their preparation culminates in being recognized by the parish at a Sunday Eucharist.

Contact Fr Alex Swain (cyfm@stphilipstucson.org) if you would like to explore this Sacrament.

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” (BCP 860). Confirmed (or received) parishioners are eligible to serve on the Vestry, be elected as delegates to diocesan and national conventions, and participate in the Church’s Licensed Lay Ministries.

Candidates for Confirmation (as well as Reception and Reaffirmation) prepare in a five-week catechism class during the season of Lent, followed by a weekend retreat.

Upcoming Catechism dates: (for adult candidates for Baptism, Confirmation, Reception, and Reaffirmation)

  • Wednesdays in Lent, from February 17, 2027 through March 17, 2027, 6:15-7:45pm
  • Baptismal Retreat: Saturday, March 20, 2027, 9:00am-12:00pm
  • Confirmation Retreat: Saturday, May 8, 2027, 9:00am-12:00pm

Reception and Reaffirmation

Like Confirmation, Reception is a public affirmation where candidates profess their faith and renew their Baptismal Covenant. In Reception, we recognize the candidate as already being “a member of the one holy catholic and apostolic Church, and we receive [him or her] into the fellowship of this Communion.” (BCP 418)

Candidates for Reception have already been confirmed, by the laying on of hands of a bishop, in another Communion. This generally means persons coming from the Roman Catholic, Orthodox, or some Lutheran Churches.

Reaffirmation is celebrated by confirmed Episcopalians who wish to publicly reaffirm their Baptismal Covenant to the bishop and community. It is comparable to a married couple publicly reaffirming their vows at significant times in their marriage.

Contact Fr Matthew Reese (matthew.reese@stphilipstucson.org) if you would like to explore this Sacrament.