Central to our life in faith are the symbolic acts known as the Sacraments. The primary sacraments of the Christian Church are baptism, through which we become members of Christ's Body, the Church, and the eucharist, or communion, in which we remember the life, death and resurrection of Jesus with thanksgiving and praise. The Anglican Church consists of lay persons, deacons, priests and bishops. However, some members of the church feel called to be ordained as deacons, priests or bishops. In the Anglican Church of Canada, both women and men are eligible for ordination.
Deacons serve as a bridge between church and community.
Often employed outside the church, deacons help to interpret the needs and concerns of society to church leaders and help to support and nurture church members. The priest serves as a pastor and teacher to members of the church, is responsible for worship, preaches, and supports members of the congregation as they reach out into their community. Some priests find their vocation in a non-church setting, such as a hospital, university or prison chaplaincy. Bishops are elected by priests and lay people. When bishops are elected to exercise oversight for a larger constituency within the church, such as an Ecclesiastical Province or as head of a national church, they receive the title Archbishop.