As we saw previously on Faith Facts, there are Two Great Sacraments of the church: Holy Baptism and Holy Eucharist. The “Outline of Faith” in The Book of Common Prayer states that a sacrament is an “outward and visible sign of inward and invisible grace, given by Christ as sure and certain means by which we receive that grace.”
That second part of this statement is important in distinguishing the Two Great Sacraments from what the “Outline of Faith” refers to as “other sacramental rites”. While the Two Great Sacraments were given directly from our Lord Jesus Christ, these other sacramental rites “evolved” in the church over time. They are as follows:
- Reconciliation of a Penitent
- Confirmation
- Ordination
- Unction of the Sick
- Holy Matrimony
Two of these rites have gone by different names: Reconciliation has been known as Confession and Unction has been known as “Last Rites”.
These rites came about in different ways. Confirmation was originally part of the larger whole of Holy Baptism. Unction is an extension of Holy Eucharist. Reconciliation is a part of our current celebration of Holy Eucharist. Ordination is a specific ministry within the wider ministry we are all called to in Baptism. Matrimony marks two coming together as one in their service to God.
While the other sacramental rites aren’t the same as the Two Great Sacraments in that they do not come directly from Jesus, they do still have outward signs that reveal inward and spiritual grace. They also aren’t required for everyone in the Christian life the way Holy Baptism and Eucharist are. As the “Outline of Faith” states, “God does not limit himself to these rites”, so we should continue to look all around us for all the signs of grace God is giving us.