✦ Sacraments
The Seven
Holy Mysteries
✦ The Mysteries of the Church
Encounters with
the Living God
In the Eastern tradition, the sacraments are called the Holy Mysteries — not because they are obscure, but because they are genuine encounters with the mystery of God. Through them, the divine life enters into the human person, and the human person is drawn into the divine life.
Our community celebrates all seven sacraments, each with its own distinctive rites and prayers drawn from the ancient tradition of the Christian East. Below is a brief introduction to each of the Holy Mysteries as celebrated at Magdalene House.
Holy Baptism
New Birth in Christ
In the Eastern rite, Baptism is administered by triple immersion — the candidate is fully immersed three times in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. This ancient practice, dating to the earliest centuries of the Church, powerfully symbolizes death and resurrection with Christ. Baptism is the door to the sacramental life of the Church.
Details
- ✦Administered by triple immersion
- ✦Open to infants, children, and adults
- ✦Preparation required for adult candidates
- ✦Contact the parish to schedule
Holy Chrismation
The Seal of the Holy Spirit
In the Eastern tradition, Chrismation (Confirmation) is administered immediately after Baptism, even for infants. The newly baptized is anointed with Holy Chrism — a sacred oil blessed by the bishop — on the forehead, eyes, nostrils, mouth, ears, breast, hands, and feet. This is the 'seal of the gift of the Holy Spirit,' completing the initiation begun in Baptism.
Details
- ✦Administered immediately after Baptism
- ✦Given to infants, children, and adults
- ✦Completes Christian initiation
- ✦Enables reception of Holy Communion
Holy Eucharist
The Body and Blood of Christ
In the Eastern rite, Holy Communion is received under both species — the Body and Blood of Christ — administered together by spoon. Magdalene House maintains an open table: all who are drawn to receive are welcome, without exception. Christ himself ate with everyone — the seeker, the doubter, the outcast, people of every background and identity — and we follow His example. No one is turned away from the table of Christ.
Details
- ✦Received under both species (Body & Blood)
- ✦Administered by spoon
- ✦Open table — all are welcome to receive, without exception
- ✦Celebrated at every Divine Liturgy
Holy Confession
Reconciliation & Healing
The Sacrament of Confession in the Eastern Catholic tradition is understood primarily as a sacrament of healing — an encounter with the merciful Christ who forgives and restores. It is celebrated face-to-face before an icon of Christ, with the priest as witness. Fr. Joseph welcomes all who seek reconciliation — regardless of how long it has been since their last confession, regardless of their background, identity, or life situation. All are received with mercy.
Details
- ✦Celebrated face-to-face before an icon
- ✦Saturday 4:15–4:45 PM
- ✦Sunday 8:30–8:50 AM
- ✦By appointment — contact the parish
Holy Orders
The Ordained Ministry
Our community ordains men to the diaconate and priesthood within the Eastern Catholic tradition, under the authority of our bishops. Married men may be ordained to the diaconate and priesthood (though not after ordination). Celibate men may be ordained to any order, including the episcopate. Those discerning a vocation to the priesthood or diaconate are encouraged to speak with Fr. Joseph.
Details
- ✦Three orders: deacon, priest, bishop
- ✦Married men may be ordained deacon or priest
- ✦Celibate men may be ordained to any order
- ✦Speak with Fr. Joseph about discernment
Holy Matrimony
The Crown of Marriage
In the Eastern rite, the Sacrament of Marriage is called the Crowning — because the couple are crowned with crowns of glory and honor, signifying their participation in the Kingdom of God. Magdalene House celebrates the Sacrament of Marriage for all couples, including same-sex couples, as an Open and Affirming congregation. The service is rich with symbolism and prayer. Marriage preparation is required; please contact the parish at least six months in advance.
Details
- ✦The Crowning — a ceremony of great beauty
- ✦Marriage preparation required
- ✦Contact the parish at least 6 months in advance
- ✦All couples welcome — contact the parish to begin preparation
Holy Unction
The Anointing of the Sick
The Sacrament of Holy Unction (Anointing of the Sick) is the anointing of the sick with blessed oil for healing of body and soul. In the Eastern Catholic tradition, this sacrament is not reserved for those near death — it is offered to all who are sick, suffering, or in need of healing. It is also celebrated communally during Holy Week. Fr. Joseph is available to bring this sacrament to the homebound and hospitalized.
Details
- ✦For all who are sick, not only the dying
- ✦Celebrated communally during Holy Week
- ✦Available for the homebound and hospitalized
- ✦Contact the parish to arrange
✦ Questions?
We Are Here to Help
If you have questions about any of the sacraments, wish to schedule a baptism, wedding, or anointing, or would like to speak with Fr. Joseph, please do not hesitate to reach out.