Sacraments

Holy Baptism

Holy Baptism is full initiation by water and the Holy Spirit into Christ’s Body, the Church. The bond which God establishes in Baptism is indissoluble” (The Book of Common Prayer, p. 298).

Along with Holy Eucharist, Baptism is one of the two most important sacraments of the Church. Baptism is the sacrament of Christian initiation by which a person becomes a member of the Body of Christ. Whether old enough to speak for themselves, or infants for whom godparents speak, persons who receive Baptism vow to follow Jesus as Lord and Savior. These vows include regular participation in corporate worship, as well as a commitment to prayer and study as life-long practices.

If you are interested in receiving the sacrament of Holy Baptism for yourself or for a family member, please call the church office at (225) 926-5343, or contact Fr. Bryan Owen at frbryanowen@stlukesbr.org.

Baptism Guidelines | Baptism Application

Holy Eucharist

It goes by several names: the Eucharist (which literally means "thanksgiving"), Holy Communion, the Lord's Supper, the Mass, and the Divine Liturgy. But whatever it’s called, this is the family meal for Christians and a foretaste of the heavenly banquet. As such, all persons who have been baptized, and are therefore part of the extended family that is the Church, are welcome to receive communion, thereby nurturing and strengthening communion with God and each other.

View the St. Luke's worship schedule

Confirmation

The Sacrament of Confirmation is defined as a "mature public affirmation" of Christian faith (The Book of Common Prayer, p. 412). For those baptized as infants or as young children, it serves to confirm the vows that were made on their behalf at their baptism. For adults growing in their spiritual life, Confirmation recognizes a maturing Christian faith.

Those desiring to be confirmed must be baptized, at least 12 years of age, and have completed a course of instruction. In the Episcopal Church, Confirmation is performed by a bishop with the laying on of hands. High School Confirmation is a "hands-on" learning experience which will be offered. Leading to Confirmation at its conclusion, the course is designed around the prayer of General Thanksgiving, said at the altar each Sunday as we celebrate the Lord's Supper. As we experience the saving love of God—shown in the Old Testament and through the life and sacrifice of Jesus Christ—we come to a more personal relationship with the God who created us, who redeems us, and who keeps us always.

The bishop's visit is also the time at which those who have made a mature public affirmation of Christian faith may reaffirm their commitment to Christ. Those confirmed in another church by a bishop ordained in apostolic succession may be received into the Episcopal Church.

For details, please contact Sarah Bolt at (225) 926-5343 or s arah@stlukesbr.org; or Fr. Bryan Owen at (225) 926-5343 or frbryanowen@stlukesbr.org.

Ordination

"Ordination is the process by which The Episcopal Church certifies a person for the ordained ministries of deacon, priest and bishop. The ordination process generally includes discernment, education, formal training, examination and evaluation. Each diocese structures its ordination process individually based on national canons and local context. Decisions about where formation and education for ministry can best take place are made in consultation with that diocese's bishop and Commission on Ministry.

"Discerning a call to such a ministry occurs in community with others and usually includes clergy and laity from a local congregation, chaplains at educational institutions, members of the Bishop's staff, local and regional leaders and trusted friends. Many dioceses provide for discernment to take place in an Episcopal congregation or other community of faith. (General Board of Examining Chaplains)
Ordination Process for the Diocese of Louisiana

Holy Matrimony

"Holy Matrimony is Christian marriage, in which the woman and man enter into a life-long union, make their vows before God and the Church, and receive the grace and blessing of God to help them fulfill their vows" (The Book of Common Prayer, p. 861). Regular attendance at worship and successful completion of premarital counseling are required of couples who wish to be married at St. Luke's.

For information about the requirements of the church for having a wedding at St. Luke's, click this Wedding Manual and please contact the church office at (225) 926-5343 or email Fr. Bryan Owen.

Reconciliation of a Penitent

"Reconciliation of a Penitent, or Penance, is the rite in which those who repent of their sins may confess them to God in the presence of a priest, and receive the assurance of pardon and the grace of absolution" (The Book of Common Prayer, p. 861).

This is probably the most underutilized sacrament in the Episcopal Church. But for those who struggle with burdensome sins that they cannot get past, the grace received in this sacramental rite gives the freedom needed for a new start. The priests serving St. Luke's are available to offer this sacrament. To make an inquiry, call the church office at (225) 926-5343, or email Fr. Bryan Owen.

Definition of Reconciliation

Holy Unction

Holy Unction—or healing and the laying on of hands—is a sacramental rite in the Episcopal Church. The prayer book explains Holy Unction best in the prayer after the laying on of hands:

As you are outwardly anointed with this holy oil, so may our
heavenly Father grant you the inward anointing of the Holy
Spirit. Of his great mercy, may he forgive you your sins,
release you from suffering, and restore you to wholeness and
strength. May he deliver you from all evil, preserve you in all
goodness, and bring you to everlasting life; through Jesus
Christ our Lord. Amen.

We ask for God's healing and mercy. Notice that the healing is not only for physical healing but also spiritual healing.

Every Wednesday at 4:00 p.m. we have a healing service with Holy Eucharist.