[Vort]

Originally Posted by Shelly200

I was wondering if anyone could explain to me more in depth about the LDS ordinances. Here is what I know so far:

1.) Baptism = 8 years old, full immersion, dressed in white, by a priest

Correct. In fact, baptism is done by someone holding the Aaronic Priesthood office of "priest" or by a holder of the Melchizedek Priesthood, so you're right about the "priest" part.

Originally Posted by Shelly200

2.) Laying on of hands = I know this happens, but don't know when/where/by whom/etc.

"Laying on of hands" is a general term for most Priesthood blessings, since they are performed by laying hands on the person. You are probably referring specifically to receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost and confirmation into the Church. These two things are done in the same ordinance, and are a part of the overall baptism. They often take place "at water's edge" immediately following the baptism. Also common is to baptize on Saturday and have the confirmation on Sunday in front of the congregation.

Originally Posted by Shelly200

3.) Marriage = in a temple, for all eternity, a sealing, I assume by a priest?, special white clothing

The sealing is done by a "sealer", a man who holds the Melchizedek Priesthood and who has been specifically ordained with the authority to seal.

Originally Posted by Shelly200

4.) Communion = called the Sacrament, blessed by young priests, every Sunday, bread and water

Correct. Priests perform this, though if no priests are available, any Melchizedek Priesthood holder can officiate.

Originally Posted by Shelly200

5.) Confession = I know some sins need to be told to the bishop...

Confession is not an ordinance. Rather, it is an administrative necessity. In general, sins need be confessed only to God and to the offended party. But some sins are so serious that they threaten your very standing in the kingdom of God. These sins, such as fornication or (obviously) adultery, abuse, murder (obviously), and illegal activity, must be confessed to a bishop so that he can judge whether ecclesiastical action must also be taken. The bishop is also there to help those in need, so if you're struggling with behavior that you don't "need" to confess but that you want help with, you can always go to the bishop.

Originally Posted by Shelly200

6.) Baby blessings = I know babies are blessed... by multiple men?

Typically several men join in blessing the baby. This is a type of father's blessing, assuming the father is able and worthy to participate. This is not a "saving" ordinance; there is no stigma attached to not having been blessed as a baby. I have seen children of the newly baptized sometimes given a name by blessing when they're no longer infants, but I have never seen such done on an adult or older child.

Originally Posted by Shelly200

7.) Blessings = priest can give special blessings to certain people

Only holders of the Melchizedek Priesthood can bless through the laying on of hands. They can offer a blessing basically to anyone who requests it.

Originally Posted by Shelly200

8.) Patriarchal Blessing = a special blessing, done by only certain priests, you only get one once, it has to do with your whole life

They are given by a man called a patriarch, who holds a special Melchizedek Priesthood office called (unsurprisingly) "patriarch" and who is specifically ordained to the office in order to give such blessings. The blessings are considered revelatory and are held sacred by the recipients.

Originally Posted by Shelly200

9.) Endowment = in a temple, special white clothing, learn about creation?

The endowment is a series of covenants and blessings presented in a ceremonial drama, officiated by high priests (another office in the Melchizedek Priesthood). Since the endowment presentation begins with the creation, many people think it's a depicition of the creation of the world. My own belief is that we are not being taught about how God created the world or its inhabitants; rather, we are being instructed on what our relationship is with God. It's not a lesson in divine engineering mechanics.

Originally Posted by Shelly200

10.) Proxy ceremonies = baptisms, marriages, sealings, and endowments can be done for the deceased

Correct.

Originally Posted by Shelly200

That's all I've got. Is any of that right? All of it wrong? What are all of the practices? Which ones are necessary, and which ones are voluntary? Which levels of the priesthood are allowed to perform which ordinances?

Baptism by water and its renewal, the sacrament, are performed by Aaronic (lower) Priesthood holders called priests. All other ordinances are performed by holders of the Melchizedek Priesthood. Temple ceremonies require officiating by high priests, and patriarchal blessings must be given by a patriarch*.

*I have been told that a father, who is the natural patriarch to his own family, can provide a patriarchal blessing to his children. However, the Church does not record and store patriarchal blessings provided by men who are not ordained patriarchs. Also, during a patriarchal blessing, the patriarch names the tribe of Israel to which the recipient belongs or is adopted. I do not know if fathers are authorized to receive this revelation and make this pronouncement for their children.

The "saving ordinances" include baptism and confirmation, receiving the Melchizedek Priesthood (for men), and the temple covenants, including marriage sealing. In addition, if a child is born to parents who have been sealed, that child is considered "born in the covenant" and inherits blessings deriving from his/her parents' sealing. If a child is not born in the covenant, s/he must eventually be sealed to his/her parents (who must themselves be sealed together in marriage), at which point s/he receives all the blessings of being born in the covenant.