THE SACRAMENT of HOLY BAPTISM
Requirements to Receive the Sacrament of Holy Baptism
Baptism is one of the two major sacraments of the Church, and we are pleased you are considering taking this important step in your or your child’s spiritual journey! The clergy of St. Ann’s looks forward to working with you as you discern the important commitment to become a member of Christ’s one, holy, catholic (meaning universal), and apostolic Church through the water of Holy Baptism.
What Does It Mean To Be Baptized?
The Episcopal Book of Common Prayer tells us baptism is “full initiation by water and the Holy Spirit into Christ’s Body the church.” This does not mean you are being baptized into the Episcopal Church or into St. Ann’s Church. It does mean you are becoming a Christian through the water of baptism and that you are prepared to begin actively participating in the life of St. Ann’s and regularly attending Sunday service.
If it is an infant baptism, the parents and godparents are making a covenant with God on behalf of the infant or child that the child will be brought up in the faith. This is accomplished, in part, by regular church attendance, so that your child will develop a foundation of faith as he/she grows in the love and knowledge of God.
Do I Have To Be A Member of St. Ann’s In Order To Have My Child Baptized There?
If you are not already a member of St. Ann’s, we require the following:
If you are interested in further exploring this sacrament, please begin the process by filling out this online form: Holy Baptism (jotform.com).
Baptism is one of the two major sacraments of the Church, and we are pleased you are considering taking this important step in your or your child’s spiritual journey! The clergy of St. Ann’s looks forward to working with you as you discern the important commitment to become a member of Christ’s one, holy, catholic (meaning universal), and apostolic Church through the water of Holy Baptism.
What Does It Mean To Be Baptized?
The Episcopal Book of Common Prayer tells us baptism is “full initiation by water and the Holy Spirit into Christ’s Body the church.” This does not mean you are being baptized into the Episcopal Church or into St. Ann’s Church. It does mean you are becoming a Christian through the water of baptism and that you are prepared to begin actively participating in the life of St. Ann’s and regularly attending Sunday service.
If it is an infant baptism, the parents and godparents are making a covenant with God on behalf of the infant or child that the child will be brought up in the faith. This is accomplished, in part, by regular church attendance, so that your child will develop a foundation of faith as he/she grows in the love and knowledge of God.
Do I Have To Be A Member of St. Ann’s In Order To Have My Child Baptized There?
If you are not already a member of St. Ann’s, we require the following:
- First, visit us and get to know our family of faith.
- If you find your worship experience meaningful, we require that your family regularly attend services for a minimum of two months before the baptism is scheduled.
- At least one parent must be a baptized Christian.
- At least one godparent must be a baptized Christian.
- Parents and godparents are required to attend one pre-baptismal counseling session with a member of the clergy prior to the actual baptism. This will be scheduled at a mutually agreed upon time.
- Because baptism is full initiation into the community of Christ’s Church, the actual baptism will take place during a Sunday principle service. We do not do private baptisms or baptisms for family only.
- As a baptized Christian in the Episcopal Church, your child may receive the sacrament of Holy Communion when the parents mutually agree it is appropriate for the child to receive. The Church does not make that decision for you.
If you are interested in further exploring this sacrament, please begin the process by filling out this online form: Holy Baptism (jotform.com).