What is Holy Baptism?
Our Book of Common Prayer tells us that, “Holy Baptism is full initiation by water and the Holy Spirit into Christ’s Body, the Church. The bond which God establishes in Baptism is indissoluble“ (p.298). In other words, you are only baptized once. It sums up the biblical teaching that, Holy Baptism is the sacrament by which God adopts us as his children and makes us members of Christ’s Body, the Church, and inheritors of the kingdom of God(p.858). At Baptism, we promise to renounce Satan, repent of our sins, and accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior“ (p.858).” By baptism we are also welcomed to the Eucharistic feast.
Since the earliest Christian era, the Church has baptized not only adults, but also the children of those who are active members of the Christian community. In this case, parents and godparents act as sponsors for a child, making the promises of Baptism on his or her behalf. In addition, parents and godparents “guarantee that infants will be brought up in the Church, to know Christ and be able to follow him“ (p.859). This baptismal vow is a family commitment to participate and engage in the life of the church, which includes regular Sunday attendance as a baseline expectation.
Holy Baptism is especially appropriate at the Easter Vigil, on Sundays in the Easter Season, on the Day of Pentecost, on All Saints’ Sunday, on the Feast of the Baptism of our Lord, or when the bishop is present. At Christ Church, baptisms are celebrated at the 10:00 am Sunday service. Baptisms are not celebrated in Lent or Advent, nor are baptisms private, as the nature of the sacrament is one that welcomes the candidate into the broader church community.
The sacrament of Holy Baptism requires preparation by the candidate, parents, and godparents. Please review this link to learn more about Baptism in the Episcopal Church.
Baptisms must be scheduled with the completed form a minimum of THREE WEEKS IN ADVANCE
Please contact the church office before filling out & turning in the online form below
to arrange details and to schedule a conversation with the clergy.Office hours are 9 am-2 pm, M-F, 985-892-3177.
Baptism Registration Form