THE SCOTTISH EPISCOPAL CHURCH
ON THE BLACK ISLE
Eaglais Easbaigeach na h'Alba san Eilean Dubh
​
THE LIFE OF THE CHURCH
The sacraments are where we meet Christ, where God's action, in Christ, through the Church, transforms us, bringing us to what God wants us to be. These Sacraments, or ‘Signs of the Sacred’, fall into three categories; those of Christian Initiation, Healing, and Service.
BAPTISM
Christian baptism (commonly known as christening) marks the beginning of a lifetime’s journey as a disciple of Christ. It is a sacrament – an outward symbol (washing with water) which demonstrates an inner reality (commitment to Christ). People may be baptised as adults or as children.
When children are baptised their parents and godparents make promises for them:
* to care for the children and pray for them
* to bring them up in the Christian faith
* to set them an example of Christian living
* to bring them to church
If you feel that you can make these promises, we would be delighted to speak further with you about baptism. Baptisms are usually held on Sundays at the Parish Eucharist. At least a couple of months notice is usually needed to make the preparations. Please contact the Rector to discuss further.
​
There are no fees for Baptism. However, families often want to make a gift as a token of their thanksgiving and appreciation.
​
The Church requires that Godparents should be baptised Christians, and where possible, confirmed. Once again, the promises imply that parents and Godparents are themselves baptised. Sometimes parents have not already been baptised. This may well prove a time for great thought and consideration in the life of a family. Please speak to our Priest or, if you know any, one of the members of the congregation who will want to support and encourage you.
​
Adults seeking baptism would normally be prepared for confirmation at the same time.
CONFIRMATION
What is the Sacrament of Confirmation?
​
A special way of receiving God’s grace: the presence of God’s gift of the Holy Spirit is confirmed in you through prayer and the laying on of the bishop’s hands for the life of Christian faithfulness, service, and witness.
​
A step of personal faith: you confirm that you take on for yourself that which was taken on for you at your baptism as a child, confirming your faith and your membership of the body of Christ.
​
A rite of passage: an act symbolising the movement from childhood to adulthood in which the church community confirms your intention to assume the privileges and responsibilities of being an adult member of the community.
​
Candidates are usually expected to take several weeks or months to prepare for Confirmation and explore what this might mean for them. Speak to our Priest if you would like to explore further.
HOLY MATRIMONY
In the midst of joyful celebration, two persons enter into a life-long union, make their vows before God and the Church, they exchange rings and receive the grace and blessing of God to help them fulfill their vows.
​
You do not need to attend the Church to get married, but we hope you will. You are welcome. There is a requirement however that at least one of you must have been Baptised.
​
There is no charge, however a donation as a sign of gratitude, however, would be gratefully received by the church.
If you would like our flower arrangers and musicians to work their magic, you might like to talk with them as there is likely to be a charge for this.
THE SACRAMENTS
OF HEALING
Reconciliation
​
Our Saviour Jesus Christ, when he gave to his apostles and their successors power to forgive sins, instituted in his Church the sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession) . Thus the faithful may be reconciled with God and renewed in grace. The Church ‘possesses both water and tears: the water of baptism, the tears of penance’.
​
In the sacrament of Reconciliation the faithful ‘obtain from the mercy of God pardon for their sins against him; at the same time they are reconciled with the Church and with fellow brothers and sisters in the Body of Christ.
Anointing of the Sick
​
'Is any among you sick? Let him call for the Elders of the Church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord; and the prayer of faith will save the sick man, and the Lord will raise him up; and if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven'. (James 5:14-15)
​
In the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick, the priest anoints the ill, injured, or the elderly with the oil of the sick. The sacrament may be administered more than once. A person may be anointed each and every time they suffer illness or injury.
​
If someone is nearing the end of their earthly journey, please do let the clergy know.
​
On the first Thursday of Each month we hold a special service of Healing and Renewal.
​
The Holy Oils are reserved and a priest can be available for the Sacrament of Reconcilliation. Please contact Fr Alex if you would like to discuss this.
