Mennonite Weekly Review

Mennonites have never identified in a systematic way the special rites we observe as a church. Informally, we sometimes speak of the ordinances of baptism and communion. In fact, we practice other rites, but we have never put these all together.

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In contrast, the Catholic Church identifies seven sacraments: baptism, confirmation, Eucharist, penance and reconciliation, anointing of the sick, holy orders and matrimony.

We don’t have to think about these either as sacraments or as a means of grace in the way the Catholic Church does. But I believe there is merit in putting these together as rites we practice.

The closest we come to this is in the Mennonite Church USA Minister’s Manual. It suggests procedures and identifies meanings for the rites. However, it doesn’t describe these systematically or holistically.

There is nothing sacred about the number seven, though it has particular meaning biblically based upon the days of creation. Nevertheless, I will suggest seven rites that might constitute a Mennonite understanding and practice.

1. Dedication or consecration of infants, children and their parents. Generally this occurs within the first year of birth but need not be limited to that.

2. Believers baptism, linked with catechism as preparation. Closely connected is affiliation with the church, often spoken of as church membership. Holding together the vertical relationship with God symbolized in baptism with the horizontal relationships in the church as community is an important Mennonite understanding.

3. Communion, or the Lord’s Supper. The Minister’s Manual connects the washing of feet with communion for those who choose to practice it.

4. Marriage. While marriage is also a civil rite recognized by the state, in the church we give our blessing to what covenant relationships mean within the Christian community and for the Christian family.

5. Anointing. While it is particularly practiced as a healing rite for those who are sick, it can find meaning in other settings of special care and blessing.