Being Baptized in The Episcopal Church
What is Holy Baptism?
Holy Baptism is the sacrament by which God adopts us as children and makes us members of Christ’s body, the Church, and inheritors of the kingdom of God.
What is required of us at Baptism?
It is required that we renounce Satan, repent of our sins, and accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior.
When and where are Baptisms celebrated in our Church?
Baptism initiates the candidate into the communal life of the congregation. In the Episcopal Church, therefore, Baptisms are normally administered publicly during the Eucharist as the chief service on a Sunday or other feast. We do not celebrate "private Baptisms" because it goes against what Baptism means as an incorporation into the Church. On the other hand, Fr. Berto is available and is willing to celebrate blessings and thanksgivings on the birth or adoption of a child in the church or in a private settings.
Easter, Pentecost, All Saints' Day and the Baptism of Our Lord Jesus Christ are normally days in which Baptisms are celebrated, as is the day of the bishop's visitation. Our next Baptisms will be:
- November 6, 2011
- January 8, 2012
- April 8, 2012
Sponsors or Godparents
Each adult candidate for Baptism must have at least one sponsor who is an active member of the congregation in which the candidate is to be baptized. In the case of infants or younger children, at least one sponsor, called a godparent, will make the baptismal vows on behalf of the child. Such a godparent must, therefore, be a member of the Episcopal Church and of the congregation that the candidate will be joining. In either case, other persons whose presence the family or candidate desires can be witnesses to the baptism, even if they are not members of the Episcopal Church.
Baptism of Infants and young children
Promises are made for them by their parents and sponsors, who guarantee that the infants will be brought up within the Church, to know Christ and be able to follow him. Some parents, after consultation with the pastor of the congregation may decide to defer the baptism until the child is old enough to go through a formation program. Those who are not fully communicant members of the Episcopal Church should understand that it is the view of the Episcopal Church that infant and child Baptism is only appropriate when at least one parent is an active member of a congregation and thus willing and able to raise the baptized child as a Christian within the Church and the congregation. Historical and cultural affinity or having been baptized as an Episcopalian oneself are not, without an ongoing commitment to a Christian life within the Church, a sufficient justifications for Baptism of a child at an age when that child is incapable of making commitments for him or herself.
Preparation for Infants
If you wish to baptize you infant or young child please speak with the priest to schedule some meetings to discuss the meaning and prepare the ritual. There is a mandatory instruction and rehearsal two Saturdays before the baptism in the church at 2pm. We ask that parents and godparents attend the preparation and bring the birth certificate of the child. We recommend that the preparation for baptism start as soon as the parents discover the pregnancy. The priest will be more than happy to have a Blessing of the parents at the Beginning of the Pregnancy. Once the baby is born or if a baby is adopted she or him should be presented in church for a prayer of Thanksgiving for the Birth or Adoption of a child.
Baptism of Adults
People who are 7 years and older who wish to be baptized need to follow a period of training and instruction in Christian understanding about God, human relationships, and the meaning of life, which culminates in the reception of Baptism. This formation is called the Catechumenate and may last several months. For them the usual day of baptism is Easter Sunday and their preparation should start six months before their baptism.
Fees?
There is no fee of any sort, either charged or expected for baptisms. As you know, the church perseveres with the donations of its members. We encourage all members to make an annual pledge and contribute with your time, talents and finances to the mission of the church.
Baptismal Rituals
After the sermon these are the parts of the Baptismal celebration:
1. Presentation and Examination of Candidates
2. Renunciations
Question Do you renounce Satan and all the spiritual forces of wickedness that rebel against God?
Answer I renounce them.
Question Do you renounce the evil powers of this world which corrupt and destroy the creatures of God?
Answer I renounce them.
Question Do you renounce all sinful desires that draw you from the love of God?
Answer I renounce them.
3. Act of Adherence
Question Do you turn to Jesus Christ and accept him as your Savior?
Answer I do.
Question Do you put your whole trust in his grace and love?
Answer I do.
Question Do you promise to follow and obey him as your Lord?
Answer I do.
4. The Question and Bidding addressed to the Congregation
5. The Baptismal Covenant
Celebrant Do you believe in God the Father?
People I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
Celebrant Do you believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God?
People I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead. Celebrant Do you believe in God the Holy Spirit? People I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting.
Celebrant Will you continue in the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in the prayers?
People I will, with God’s help.
Celebrant Will you persevere in resisting evil, and, whenever you fall into sin, repent and return to the Lord?
People I will, with God’s help.
Celebrant Will you proclaim by word and example the Good News of God in Christ?
People I will, with God’s help.
Celebrant Will you seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving your neighbor as yourself?
People I will, with God’s help.
Celebrant Will you strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being?
People I will, with God’s help.
