Sacraments

St. Augustine of Hippo (5th century) calls Sacraments "visible signs of invisible Grace." At Holy Cross we believe this too and believe the Sacraments are sure signs through which we encounter the present reality of Grace, namely the Person of Jesus Christ. The Holy Eucharist (also called Holy Communion, the Lord's Supper, and the Mass) is the central Sacrament for the life of the parish. Holy Cross also offers Anointing for healing (both in the context of services and individually by appointment), Confirmation and adult education classes, and Confession (regularly during Advent and Lent and by appointment otherwise). And, as the parish church of Warrensburg, Holy Cross also offers Baptisms, Weddings, and Last Rites/Funerals–those traditional hallmarks of life for Christians (in addition to the other Sacraments). Please see below for further details and reach out to the Rector for further information, for a pastoral visit, and/or to arrange for the Rector to hear your Confession regardless of your affiliation with Holy Cross or The Episcopal Church.

Baptisms at Holy Cross

Do you not know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? Therefore we were buried with him by baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, so we also might walk in newness of life. (Romans 6: 3–4)

Baptisms are typically offered at Holy Cross in the context of the Holy Eucharist on the Feast the Baptism of the Lord (January), the Easter Vigil (March/April), the Feast of Pentecost (May), the Sunday after the Feast of the Transfiguration (August), and All Saints Sunday (November). It is on offer other Sundays by request. Baptism, while indeed a special day for the one baptized and their family, is also a special day for the whole parish community and the one baptized is baptized into the Body of Christ and in welcoming the new Christian into the communion of the saints, parishioners are also reminded of their own baptism and salvation in Christ. Please reach out to the Rector for more information.

Weddings at Holy Cross

'. . . a man will leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.' This is a great mystery (sacrament), but I am speaking about Christ and the church. (Ephesians  5: 31–32)

Marriage is one of the Christian rites “commonly called sacraments” in the 39 Articles. St. Paul calls marriage a “mystery” or “sacrament," stating that the union between a man and a woman in marriage points to the union between Christ and His Church (Ephesians 5). Holy Cross is a beautiful venue in which to be married. Please reach out to the Rector for more information.

Funerals at Holy Cross

Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord. And let the perpetual light shine upon them. And may the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. (2 Esdras 2:34–35)

Funerals are a way of commending our loved ones to God and ushering them into heaven. If you would like to discuss having a Funeral or Requiem Mass at Holy Cross as well as a funeral reception, please reach out to the Rector.