Holy Baptism

Through Baptism, we are initiated into the Christian faith and become members of the Body of Christ. Whether candidates speak for themselves or godparents speak on their behalf, those who are baptized make sacred vows to follow Jesus as Lord and Savior. These vows call us to regular participation in worship and to a lifelong commitment to prayer, learning, and spiritual growth.

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 Mtr. Trish at trisht@stlukesbr.org

Baptism Guidelines | Baptism Application

Holy Eucharist

Our Prayer Book teaches that "The Holy Eucharist is the sacrament commanded by Christ for the continual remembrance of his life, death, and resurrection, until his coming again" (Book of Common Prayer, p. 859). The risen Christ is really and truly present to us in the consecrated bread and wine of the Eucharist. By partaking of this sacrament, we receive forgiveness of sins, the strengthening of our union with Christ and our fellow Christians, and a foretaste of the heavenly banquet promised to us in the life of the world to come.

Confirmation

The Sacrament of Confirmation is a mature, public affirmation of the Christian faith (Book of Common Prayer, p. 412). For those baptized as children, it confirms the vows once made on their behalf. For adults, it marks a deepening and strengthening of their faith. Candidates must be baptized, at least 12 years old, and complete a course of preparation. In the Episcopal Church, Confirmation is performed by a bishop through the laying on of hands. During the bishop’s visit, individuals may also reaffirm their faith or be received into the Episcopal Church if they were confirmed in another tradition with apostolic succession.

For details about youth confirmation, contact Sarah Bolt at (225) 926-5343 or sarah@stlukesbr.org.

For information about adult confirmation, contact Fr. Bryan Owen at (225) 926-5343 or frbryanowen@stlukesbr.org.

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Ordination

Ordination in The Episcopal Church is the process by which a person is authorized for the ministries of deacon, priest, or bishop. It involves discernment, education, training, and evaluation, with each diocese structuring the process according to national canons and local context.

Discerning a call to ministry happens in community and often includes clergy, laity, chaplains, and trusted mentors. Many dioceses provide opportunities for discernment within a congregation or other faith community.

Ordination Process for the Diocese of Louisiana

Holy Matrimony

Holy Matrimony is Christian marriage, in which a woman and a man enter into a lifelong union, make their vows before God and the Church, and receive God’s grace and blessing to help them live out those vows (The Book of Common Prayer, p. 861). At St. Luke’s, couples wishing to be married are expected to attend worship regularly and complete premarital counseling.

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 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). Though often underutilized in the Episcopal Church, this sacrament offers profound grace to those struggling with burdensome sins, providing the freedom to begin anew. 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.

Holy Unction

Holy Unction, or the anointing and laying on of hands, is a sacramental rite in the Episcopal Church. The Book of Common Prayer describes it beautifully in the prayer following 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 JesusChrist our Lord.  Amen.

Holy Unction seeks God’s healing and mercy, not only for physical ailments but also for spiritual restoration. At St. Luke’s, we celebrate a Healing Service with Holy Eucharist every Wednesday at 4:00 p.m.