All people of any age are welcome to baptized; we believe in one baptism for the forgiveness of sins, as the “bond which God establishes in Baptism is indissoluble” (Book of Common Prayer, p. 298)."
In the waters of baptism we are reminded that we belong to God and nothing can separate us from the love of God. We also find ourselves part of an extended family, one with Christians throughout the ages and across the world, what we call the “one, holy, catholic [meaning ‘universal’], and apostolic Church.” A person can be baptized as an infant, youth, or adult. The Catechism notes that “Infants are baptized so that they can share citizenship in the Covenant, membership in Christ, and redemption by God.”
Here is a list of frequently asked questions people have about Baptism. * How do I arrange to be baptized or to have my child baptized? Contact our priest for details and fill out the form under #6 below.
1.What is the difference between a baptism and a christening? There is no difference between a christening service and a baptism service. Some churches will use the word ‘baptism’ and some the word ‘christening’. Babies are ‘baptized’ during a ‘christening’ service just as couples are ‘married’ during a wedding service. Christening is a traditional English word which means to become a member of the Christian church. Baptism means to be immersed in water. During a christening service a baby or child will be baptized with water and welcomed into the community of the local church.
2.What is baptism? “Baptism marks the beginning of a journey with God which continues for the rest of our lives, the first step in response to God’s love.” It is also a celebration, a time to come together with family and friends; remembering that your child is loved by God, is part of a wider community and has a welcome place in the Christian family.
3.What happens in the service? In the Episcopal church all baptism services take place during our main Sunday service, everyone joins in by singing joyful hymns, saying prayers, participating in the Eucharist and renewing our own baptismal covenant. At your or your child or baby’s baptism water is blessed and used to pour on the newly baptized’s head. The newly baptized is marked as a member of Christ’s family when the priest uses a special oil called Chrism to place the sign of the cross on his or her head. The baptismal promises are made for infants by their parents or sponsors, “who guarantee that the infants will be brought up within the Church, to know Christ and be able to follow him” (BCP, pp. 858-859). During the baptismal rite all the members of the congregation promise to do all they can to support the candidates for baptism in their life in Christ. They join with the candidates by renewing the baptismal covenant.
4.Does a baptism require a particular Christian name for my baby? No. Your baby’s name is the one you gave when you registered their birth. During the baptism, the baby’s name will be used often and the priest will always use the name you gave your baby.
5.Who is allowed to have a baptism service? The Episcopal church welcomes all babies, children and families – whatever shape that family takes. You do not have to be married to ask for a christening for your child. As parent(s), you do not have to have been baptized yourself. You can even be baptized together with your child if you like! Everyone is welcome at our church.
6.When can I schedule a baptism? You can have your baby or child baptized at any age. There is no upper age limit, and after about the age of seven your child will probably be able to make the promises (covenant) for themselves. The Book of Common Prayer indicates that any Sunday is appropriate for a baptism but there are several Sunday’s throughout the year that are especially Holy Days for Christians and having the service on one of these Sundays is especially appropriate. Those days are the Easter Vigil (the festival service held at any point between sun down on the Saturday before Easter and sun up on Easter morning), the Day of Pentecost, All Saint’s Day (or the Sunday following All Saints), and the Feast of the Baptism of our Lord which is the First Sunday after the Epiphany.
***To schedule a Baptism, please fill out this formand make an appointment with our priest to begin planning the service. In normal situations (non-emergency baptisms) there will be three pre-baptism sessions with our priest prior to the blessed day. email: [email protected]
7.What about Godparents? The involvement of Godparents can be one of the most joyful parts of the christening. Godparents are persons who commit themselves to a long-term relationship with their candidate. The particulars of this relationship are developed and adapted as needed. The important point is that the candidate and Godparent maintain a continuous relationship, however it is lived out. This article contains some suggestions to help in this regard.
Godparents are asked by the candidate or the family to perform a special role throughout the life of a child. Being asked to be a Godparent is an expression of confidence the family has in the person’s ability to be a worthy Godparent. While it is a serious undertaking discovering with someone else the treasures of Christian life is a fulfilling experience. Becoming a Godparent serves as a reminder of one’s own relationship with God through baptism. and is a way to live into the promises made at the rime of the Godparent’s own baptism.
For parents: Godparents are not necessarily the people who will care for your child should anything happen to you. Rather they are people who will be there for your child and help them think about the bigger questions in life – questions of love, hope and faith. Every child should have between one and three Godparents, (if there are three, consider having one who is the same sex as the child). Godparents must be baptized themselves and old enough to make some serious promises on behalf of the child.
Being asked to serve as a baptismal sponsor, or Godparent, is an honor. It is also a fulfilling experience. Whether asked by family members, friends, or other Christians, the Godparent has been chosen for a special relationship with the one to be baptized, with the baptizing community, and with God. This article is offered as a resource for Godparents.
8. What Qualifies a Person to Serve as a Sponsor or Godparent? The Godparent must be a baptized person. Only a Christian can, in good conscience make the required baptismal renunciations and promises on behalf of the candidate. The most effective Godparents are those who actively participate in a Christian congregation of their choice for their own spiritual growth and strengthening. Because it is within the worshiping community that the Godparent has direct contact with the foundations of Christian belief and life. The foundations are the Holy Scriptures, the traditions of the Church, and the exercise of human mind and heart. In the Episcopal Church, we call these three pillars of faith: Scripture, Tradition, and Reason.
9. What Is Expected of the Godparent? It is expected that the Godparent will:
Establish a special relationship with the candidate;
Represent Christ and the Church to the baptized person and vice versa (for example, standing with the candidate at the time of baptism, confirmation and other important events in their life, and assisting the candidate to live into their baptismal promises);
Set an example of Christian life for the candidate; and
Support the baptized person through prayer.
Father in Heaven, who at the baptism of Jesus in the River Jordan proclaimed him your beloved Son and anointed him with the Holy Spirit: Grant that all who are baptized into his Name may keep the covenant they have made, and boldly confess him as Lord and Savior; who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen. – Collect for the First Sunday after the Epiphany: The Baptism of Our Lord (BCP, p. 214)
If you have more questions, check out our Frequently Asked Questions page or contact our priest and just ask!