Holy Baptism

Baptism is the sacrament of entrance into the Christian community. By it we become members of God’s family and inheritors of his Kingdom, receiving the abiding presence of the Holy Spirit.

The Sacrament of Holy Baptism is normally administered on four occasions in the year: the Sunday after All Saints Day (November 1); the First Sunday after the Epiphany (January 6); the Day of Pentecost (Whitsunday) and the Great Vigil of Easter. The Great Vigil is a particularly appropriate time for adult baptisms. Baptisms may be scheduled at other times, at the discretion of the Rector. Except in cases of emergency, Baptism is not administered in the seasons of Advent and Lent.

Each candidate for Holy Baptism is presented by one or more sponsors (also known as godparents), who must be themselves be baptized and practicing Christians. The choice of sponsors is subject to approval by the Rector.

The Rector gives pre-baptismal instruction to adults to be baptized, and to the parents and sponsors of infants. It is expected that the parents of infants to be baptized are active, participating members of this congregation, or practicing Christians with a family connection to this parish.