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Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
What is Baptism?
According to the Episcopal Catechism, “Holy Baptism is the sacrament by which God adopts us as his children and makes us members of Christ Body, the Church, and inheritors of the kingdom of God.” (BCP 858)
Baptism recognizes that God’s love has always been part of our lives – in the love and nurture of our parents, our families and our communities. At the time of Baptism, we make vows to respond to that gracious love in an intentional way. We renounce the things that keep us from being the loving people God created and, empowered by the Holy Spirit, we promise to work with Jesus to make visible the kingdom of God here on earth.
When we think of Baptism, we tend to think of babies, but we baptize people at any age or stage in their faith journey. Children too young to speak for themselves have Godparents, along with their parents, who make the renunciations and vows on their behalf.
Baptism is only the beginning of a life of faith. A Christian is formed initially through the water of baptism and the oil of chrismation. But to become a mature Christian requires a life-time of practice. We continue our formation through family life, through communal worship, through acts of service to others, and through continuing exploration of our faith in Christian education over the course of our entire lives.
When Baptism is Offered
In the Episcopal Church, baptism is usually reserved for the following times:
- The Baptism of Our Lord (in January)
- The Great Vigil of Easter (Easter Eve)
- The Day of Pentecost (fifty days after Easter Sunday)
- All Saints’ Sunday (the first Sunday in November)
Baptism is occasionally offered on other Sundays during the year, but is always intended to be celebrated at the principal Sunday Eucharist. Private baptisms are only done in emergency situations.
To Be Baptized at Christ Church
If you or a member of your family desires to be baptized, please speak to a member of the Clergy. We will ask you to fill out a form that includes basic information about the person to be baptized and ask that you attend two sessions of Baptism preparation, usually held close to the date of the Baptism. The person being baptized and their parents, Godparents/Sponsors are encouraged to attend. Other family members are also invited.
A Word about Godparents
A child being baptized should have at least two Godparents, one of each gender. More are certainly welcome! Godparents take on the responsibility of raising a child in the Christian faith and life, and should be practicing Christians themselves. Only one needs to be an Episcopalian.
For more information, please speak to the Clergy.
There is no fee for Baptism at Christ Church. |
