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.
The outward and visible sign in Baptism is water, in which the person is baptized in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. The inward and spiritual grace in Baptism is union with Christ in his death and resurrection, birth into God’s family the Church, forgiveness of sins, and new life in the Holy Spirit.
All that is required at Baptism is that we renounce Satan, repent of our sins, and accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior.
Holy Baptism is the highpoint of our worship and our life together. In the mystery of Holy Baptism, we believe that we actually die with Christ to sin and death, and we rise again to freedom and life eternal. When we baptize infants, it is the parents and sponsors (Godparents) who make promises on behalf of the child. When we baptize adults, the adult herself or himself renounces evil, affirms faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and joins in promising to uphold the faith of the Church.
In baptism Holy Water is poured over the head of the person being baptized. Then Holy Oil is poured on the person’s head as the presence of the Holy Spirit is invoked and claimed for this new Christian. Then the newly baptized is clothed in a white garment, symbolizing forgiveness of sin and the hope of life eternal with the saints in heaven. Finally, a candle is given to the newly baptized, symbolizing that this person now shares in carrying the Light of Christ in to the world.
Holy Baptism at Christ Church is a very special time and takes place in the midst of a public service of worship.
Normally, we baptize at the following major feasts:
All Saint’s Day (November 1) at the 7:30 PM Holy Eucharist (if November 1 is a weekday) or All Saints’ Sunday (the Sunday after November 1) at the 10:00 AM Choral Holy Eucharist.
The Feast of the Baptism of Our Lord Jesus Christ (Early January) at the 10:00 AM Choral Holy Eucharist.
Easter Eve (Saturday night before Easter Sunday) at the 7:30 PM Great Vigil of Easter.
The Day of Pentecost (50 days after Easter Sunday) at the 10:00 AM Choral Holy Eucharist.
The Easter Vigil is the highlight of the Christian year. If at all possible, you are encouraged to make this service even more special by preparing to receive baptism then.
To begin the process toward Baptism or if you have any questions, please contact the Rector or the parish office.
You can view the Rite of Baptism in the Episcopal Church in the online Book of Common Prayer.